Calcium and Vitamin D May Limit Stress Fractures
According to a study presented at the 53rd annual Orthopaedic Research Society meeting in February of 2007, calcium and vitamin D supplementation, even for a short period of time, can significantly reduce stress fractures (overuse injuries to the bone). This randomized, double-blind placebo controlled study, funded by the U.S. Department of Defense, looked at two groups of female military recruits between the ages of 17 and 35. One group received daily pill supplements of 2,000 mg of calcium and 800 IU of vitamin D. The other group received placebo or "dummy" pills. During the course of the study, 170 recruits in the placebo group experienced about 25 per cent more stress fractures that the group taking the supplement. Calcium is known to support bone formation and repair, while vitamin D is known to help the body in its absorption. Additional studies would help to confirm these findings. For more information go to the following Creighton University webpage.
According to a study presented at the 53rd annual Orthopaedic Research Society meeting in February of 2007, calcium and vitamin D supplementation, even for a short period of time, can significantly reduce stress fractures (overuse injuries to the bone). This randomized, double-blind placebo controlled study, funded by the U.S. Department of Defense, looked at two groups of female military recruits between the ages of 17 and 35. One group received daily pill supplements of 2,000 mg of calcium and 800 IU of vitamin D. The other group received placebo or "dummy" pills. During the course of the study, 170 recruits in the placebo group experienced about 25 per cent more stress fractures that the group taking the supplement. Calcium is known to support bone formation and repair, while vitamin D is known to help the body in its absorption. Additional studies would help to confirm these findings. For more information go to the following Creighton University webpage.