Are Vitamin D and Calcium Supplements Doing More Harm Than Good?

Vitamin D and calcium supplements have been widely promoted as essential for bone health and muscle function, especially among older adults, however experts are now challenging that long-held belief.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, an independent panel focused on preventive medicine, published findings suggesting that taking vitamin D and calcium supplements without a confirmed deficiency or diagnosis of osteoporosis may be ineffective and potentially harmful.

The recommendation applies specifically to community-dwelling adults, including postmenopausal women and men aged 60+. It does not apply to individuals living in nursing homes or assisted living facilities, who may be more vulnerable and require different care. 

“There’s simply not enough evidence to show that these supplements reduce the risk of falls and fractures,” said Dr. John Ruiz, a clinical psychology professor at the University of Arizona.

Andrea Wong from the Council for Responsible Nutrition expressed concern about the new guidance. “While it's possible to get vitamin D through a balanced diet, it's not easy,” she said. Foods rich in vitamin D include fatty fish such as salmon and tuna, as well as fortified milk and dairy products.

However, large-scale studies, including one published in 2020 in the New England Journal of Medicine, have shown no significant benefit of vitamin D supplements on bone health in the general population.

Experts increasingly recommend getting vitamin D through food rather than supplements to reduce the risk of overconsumption and adverse effects.

Overuse and Safety Concerns

Vitamin D is among the most commonly used supplements, but unlike prescription drugs, it is not tightly regulated. This means it can interact dangerously with certain medications, especially at high doses. “When you go beyond what's needed, there's no added benefit,” warned Dr. F. Perry Wilson, a nephrologist at Yale University.

A Costly Health Issue

Falls among adults aged 65 and older are the leading cause of injury-related death in that age group. In 2020 alone, U.S. medical costs for fall-related treatment exceeded $80 billion.

The new recommendations aim to raise awareness about responsible supplement use and encourage exploration of natural strategies- such as diet and physical activity- to support bone and muscle health safely and effectively.