There is high quality evidence that vitamin D plus calcium is associated with a statistically significant reduction in incidence of new non-vertebral fractures .
Vitamin D alone is unlikely to prevent fractures in the doses and formulations tested so far in older people .
Supplements of vitamin D and calcium may prevent hip or any type of fracture .
There was a small but significant increase in gastrointestinal symptoms and renal disease associated with vitamin D and calcium .
This review found that there was no increased risk of death from taking calcium and vitamin
BACKGROUND Vitamin D and related compounds have been used to prevent  osteoporotic fractures in older people .
This is the third up date of a Cochrane review first published in 1996 .
OBJECTIVES To determine the effects of vitamin D or related compounds , with or without calcium , for preventing  fractures in post-menopausal women and older men .
TREATMENT OF POST MENOPAUSAL OSTEOPOROSIS. A CONTROLLED THERAPEUTIC TRIAL COMPARING OESTROGEN/GESTAGEN, 1,25‐DIHYDROXY‐VITAMIN D3 AND CALCIUM
A controlled therapeutic trial on seventy‐four 70‐year‐old women was carried out with the purpose of finding the optimal treatment for post menopausal osteoporosis .  The bone mineral content ( BMC ) was measured by 125I‐photonabsorptiometry at two sites in the distal part of the forearms , where the trabecular/cortical ratio is 0·25 and 1·5 , respectively . Radiographs were done on the right h and to measure the metacarpal bone mass ( cortical area/total area = CA/TA )
There is high quality evidence that vitamin D plus calcium is associated with a statistically significant reduction in incidence of new non-vertebral fractures .
Vitamin D alone is unlikely to prevent fractures in the doses and formulations tested so far in older people .
Supplements of vitamin D and calcium may prevent hip or any type of fracture .
There was a small but significant increase in gastrointestinal symptoms and renal disease associated with vitamin D and calcium .
This review found that there was no increased risk of death from taking calcium and vitamin
BACKGROUND Vitamin D and related compounds have been used to prevent  osteoporotic fractures in older people .
This is the third up date of a Cochrane review first published in 1996 .
OBJECTIVES To determine the effects of vitamin D or related compounds , with or without calcium , for preventing  fractures in post-menopausal women and older men .