Calcium plus vitamin d
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Calcium Plus Vitamin D: Health Benefits and Risks
Calcium Plus Vitamin D and Fracture Prevention
Hip and Total Fractures
Calcium plus vitamin D supplementation has been extensively studied for its role in preventing fractures, particularly in postmenopausal women. A large-scale study involving 36,282 postmenopausal women found that while calcium and vitamin D supplementation resulted in a small but significant improvement in hip bone density, it did not significantly reduce the risk of hip fractures . However, a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials indicated a significant 15% reduction in total fractures and a 30% reduction in hip fractures with calcium plus vitamin D supplementation .
Renal Calculi Risk
One notable risk associated with calcium plus vitamin D supplementation is an increased likelihood of developing kidney stones. The same large-scale study reported a hazard ratio of 1.17 for renal calculi in the supplementation group compared to the placebo group .
Metabolic Health in PCOS
Glucose Metabolism and Lipid Concentrations
In overweight and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), calcium plus vitamin D supplementation has shown beneficial effects on glucose metabolism and lipid profiles. A clinical trial demonstrated that co-supplementation led to decreased serum insulin levels, improved insulin sensitivity, and reduced serum triglycerides and VLDL-cholesterol levels .
Cancer Risk Reduction
All-Cancer Risk
Calcium and vitamin D supplementation has also been investigated for its potential to reduce cancer risk. A randomized trial involving postmenopausal women found that calcium plus vitamin D supplementation significantly reduced the risk of all types of cancer, with a relative risk of 0.402 compared to the placebo group .
Colorectal Cancer
Despite observational studies suggesting a protective effect, a large randomized trial found no significant difference in the incidence of colorectal cancer between women taking calcium plus vitamin D supplements and those taking a placebo over seven years .
Weight and Fat Loss
Body Fat and Visceral Fat
In overweight and obese individuals with low calcium intake, calcium plus vitamin D supplementation has been shown to facilitate fat loss. A study found that participants who received the supplements experienced a greater reduction in fat mass and visceral fat compared to those who did not .
Cardiovascular Health
Cardiovascular Events
The relationship between calcium plus vitamin D supplementation and cardiovascular events remains uncertain. A study involving postmenopausal women found no significant increase or decrease in the risk of coronary or cerebrovascular events over a seven-year period .
Long-Term Health Outcomes
Post-Intervention Effects
Long-term follow-up of the Women's Health Initiative trial revealed that calcium and vitamin D supplementation did not significantly affect the incidence of hip fractures, colorectal cancer, cardiovascular disease, or total mortality after the intervention period ended. However, there was a lower incidence of vertebral fractures and in situ breast cancers among supplement users .
Genetic Interactions
VDR Gene Polymorphisms
Calcium plus vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy has been shown to interact with polymorphisms in the VDR gene promoter region, affecting postpartum bone mass in adolescent mothers. Supplementation appeared to minimize postpartum bone loss, particularly in those with specific genetic profiles .
Nutritional Rickets in Children
Treatment Efficacy
For children with nutritional rickets, a combination of vitamin D and calcium has been found to be more effective in improving healing compared to vitamin D alone. However, the evidence is of low certainty, and further research is needed to draw definitive conclusions .
Conclusion
Calcium plus vitamin D supplementation offers several health benefits, including improved bone density, reduced fracture risk, better metabolic health in PCOS, and potential cancer risk reduction. However, it also carries risks such as increased kidney stone formation and uncertain effects on cardiovascular health. Long-term and genetic factors may influence the outcomes of supplementation, highlighting the need for personalized approaches in its use.
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