New BMJ Review Questions Winter Vitamin D Supplement Benefits for Older Adults
A recent BMJ meta-analysis found that routine vitamin D supplements do not reduce fracture risk in people over 65, prompting a reassessment of the NHS winter-time recommendation.
A large BMJ meta-analysis of 69 trials and 154,000 adults aged over 65 concluded that daily vitamin D supplementation does not significantly lower fracture incidence during winter months. The NHS currently advises all UK adults to take a 10 µg supplement from October to April, a guideline based on the nutrient’s role in calcium absorption and bone health. Researchers such as Susan Lanham-New and Eamon Laird stress that supplementation remains useful for people with limited outdoor time, darker skin, or obesity, but the new evidence suggests limited benefit for those already sufficient in vitamin D. Previous studies have linked the vitamin to reduced respiratory infections and possible cognitive benefits, yet those findings are based on small or observational data.
High doses above 100 µg can cause adverse effects, including kidney damage. The authors recommend focusing on resistance exercise and balance training as more proven strategies to prevent fractures in older adults.
Why it matters
It challenges a long-standing public-health recommendation and may change how millions of UK residents manage winter nutrition.
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