USPSTF

USPSTF draft recommends against vitamin D supplementation for primary prevention of fractures, falls

January 6, 2025

Vitamin D supplementation—with or without calcium—has no net benefit for primary prevention of fractures or falls in asymptomatic community-dwelling men or postmenopausal women aged 60+ years, per moderate certainty evidence, according to a new draft statement from USPSTF.

These recommendations don’t apply to patients with a history of osteoporotic fractures, medical conditions associated with vitamin D deficiency or vitamin D malabsorption, or a diagnosis of osteoporosis or vitamin D deficiency.

However, ensuring adequate vitamin D and calcium intake is important for bone and overall health. The National Academy of Medicine established recommended daily allowances for these nutrients based on age/sex: vitamin D from 600 - 800 IU; calcium 1,000 - 1,200 mg. The recommended daily allowance refers to all dietary sources, including food, beverages, and dietary supplements. It’s important that everyone have vitamin D and calcium intake that meets these recommended daily allowances.

The draft is available for public comment through Jan 21, 2025, 11:59 pm EST.

Source:

USPSTF [Draft Recommendation Statement]. (2024, December 17). Vitamin D, Calcium, or Combined Supplementation for the Primary Prevention of Falls and Fractures in Community-Dwelling Adults: Preventive Medication. https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/draft-recommendation/vitamin-d-calcium-combined-supplementation-primary-prevention-falls-fractures-communitydwelling-adults