Recovery Nutrition: Prescribed Calcium and Vitamin D Post-Hip Fracture Linked to Reduced Mortality

Prescribed Calcium and Vitamin D Post-Hip Fracture Linked to Reduced Mortality


In a study involving 221 elderly hip fracture patients, post-fracture use of prescribed calcium plus supplementation with vitamin D was found to be associated with reduced mortality. In women, concomitant use of anti-osteoporotic drugs was also associated with reduced mortality. The authors point out that, "Several studies have shown excess mortality among hip fracture patients compared with the normal population of the same age." Questionnaires were sent to all patients who were still alive (n=137) 27.5 months after the fracture. Four years survival data for all patients in the study population was obtained. Results showed supplementation with prescribed calcium and vitamin D was associated with a 43% reduction in deaths in male subjects and a 36% reduction in deaths in female subjects. Female subjects who also used anti-osteoporotic drugs were found to have an even greater reduction in deaths (43%). Male and female subjects who did not use prescribed calcium and vitamin D or anti-osteoporotic drugs were found to have the highest mortality rate. The authors conclude, "�further investigations are needed to understand the reason for the reduction in the risk of death. Population-based, randomized, placebo-controlled trials with total mortality as the main endpoint should be conducted to verify our results."

"Post-Fracture Prescribed Calcium and Vitamin D Supplements Alone or, in Females, with Concomitant Anti-Osteoporotic Drugs is Associated with Lower Mortality in Elderly Hip Fracture Patients: A Prospective Analysis," Nurmi-Luthje I, Luthje P, et al, Drugs Aging, 2009; 26(5): 409-21. (Address: Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland).