Calcium intake, bone mineral density, and risk of fracture

By Dr Deepu

Increasing calcium intake through supplementation or diet should not be recommended for preventing fractures, according to two studies from New Zealand. A systematic review found no association between dietary calcium intake and risk of fracture, and a meta-analysis showed that although dietary calcium led to small increases in bone mineral density, these were unlikely to reduce fracture risk to a clinically significant degree. The accompanying editorial cargues in favour of revisiting recommendations to increase intake beyond a normal balanced diet.