A 2007 review of studies to find if calcium intake prevents hip fractures over time:
Click >Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Dec;86(6):1780-90.
This review found little or no hip fracture prevention over time from higher calcium intake. Remember, this did not consider vitamin D or any other bone building nutrients. Hip fractures represent one of the most severe problems for Elders since the one year survival rate is quite low. This review is not a fly weight analysis since it had so many Medical Professionals putting it together at the Department of Nutrition, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA.
From conclusions: "Pooled results from randomized controlled trials show no reduction in hip fracture risk with calcium supplementation, and an increased risk is possible."
This "increased risk possibility" appears to need an explanation since Nutritionists and Doctors are recommending calcium for protection against bone loss and hip fractures.
DAIRY on Hip Fractures
Here is another long term study on dairy and hip fractures that says milk and dairy are protective. Also from the same study above, the Nurses Health Study, plus including the Health Professionals study on male Doctors. It shows a positive benefit for reduction of hip fractures with greater number of dairy servings. Looking at the charts included below, the results of this study appear to be opposite the Country overall statistics. No explanation is given why this might have occurred. Might it have been due to fact that this group of health workers were largely on their feet and moving each day?
Vitamin D helps Calcium Studies
Here is a study that looked at vitamin D as well which showed positive outcome for vitamin D only, but not for dairy or calcium supplements. Check out chart below for calcium consumption on hip fracture rates in different Countries. Why is the United States often on top? ref
Here is another chart showing hip fractures to milk consumption. Interesting comparisons.
While Finland appears to have a lower hip fracture rate per amount of calcium comsumed, the death rate from cardiovascular disease is one of the highest since very high calcium to magnesium intake ratio.
These charts do not paint a very rosy picture for increasing calcium or calcium with vitamin D intake to prevent hip fractures. Maybe hip bones are difficult for calcium to enter and protect. Or, maybe, there is more to good and strong bones than just calcium or even calcium and vitamin D. Check out how a team of related bone building nutrients and lifestyle factors work together to make stronger bones. article