Calcium and vitamin D don't help in preventing fractures.

  Calcium and vitamin D are often recommended to prevent bone loss. Now a recent study suggests that calcium and vitamin D don't protect against fractures in postmenopausal women. But tell patients not to give up on these supplements just yet.

  Many women in this study were already getting close to the recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D either from their diet or supplementing on their own. Plus many were taking hormone replacement therapy which also helps slow bone loss and reduce fractures. These patients are less likely to benefit from additional calcium and vitamin D.

  Plus a lot of the women in this study were not adherent. Women who were compliant in taking the calcium and vitamin D combination DID have a reduced risk of hip fractures.