Combine calcium supplements with exercise to maximise benefits

People who take calcium supplements to prevent bone fracture should ensure they take enough exercise, in the light of research from the University of Auckland, New Zealand.

Experts looked at the benefits of taking calcium supplement over a period of 10 years in a group of post-menopausal women. The women were split into groups, with some taking 1g of calcium citrate and others taking a placebo.

The data was analysed at the end of the 10 year study and again five years later and it was found that calcium supplements were associated with significant reduction in fracture of the forearm and vertebrae but not hip.

After people stopped taking the supplements, the positive effects on bone mineral density stopped too, but so did any adverse cardiovascular outcomes seen.

“An intake of calcium and vitamin D should be combined with weight-bearing exercise to reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fracture in postmenopausal women,” says a spokesperson from Arthritis Research UK.