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Calcium is known for creating strong bones, but new research confirms calcium supplementation can reduce the risk of fractures in older individuals. Study authors report the biggest problem is making sure people remember to take the supplements.

Researchers studied data from 17 studies, which included information on more than 52,600 people older than 50. The participants took calcium supplementation for and average of three and a half years. Scientists from the University of Western Sydney in Sydney, Australia, conducted the research.

Study authors write, when there was a high compliance rate -- meaning patients were sticking to their medication regimen -- there was a 24-percent reduction in fracture risk. They also report the reduction rates were better with a higher calcium dose of more than 1200 milligrams. Patients who lived in institutions benefited the most, and researchers report that may be because the nursing staffs help patients to remember to take their medication.

In a separate part of the study, researchers also looked at calcium supplementation alone or in combination with vitamin D supplementation. For this research, investigators analyzed data from 23 trials. Researchers say this analysis reveals calcium supplementation, whether alone or in combination with vitamin D, is effective in the preventive treatment of osteoporotic fracture.

This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, which offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, click on: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.

SOURCE: The Lancet, 2007;370:657-666

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