FDA Panel Says Benefits of Vitamin D Supplements Questionable in Postmenopausal Women

A federal panel with the US Food and Drug Administration has backed the health regulator’s recommendation against taking vitamin D and calcium supplements, stating that it does not prevent the risk of fractures among postmenopausal women. The report from US Preventive Services Task Force, which has been published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, revealed that there is no evidence to suggest that vitamin and calcium supplements leads to lower chances of fractures.

The report added that it had tested for doses up to 1,000mg of calcium supplements and 400 international units of vitamin D3.

“Vitamin D and calcium are known to play an important role in maintaining health, including bone health. However, despite the large number of studies done there are few conclusive answers about the ability of vitamin D and calcium supplements to prevent fractures. The task force determined the evidence is inconclusive that higher doses of vitamin D and calcium supplements are effective in preventing fractures in postmenopausal women.”, Dr Virginia Moyer, who is a member of the task force, said.

Source-Medindia