The effect of vitamin D 3 supplementation on fracture incidence in an aging population - The Finnish vitamin D trial.
BoneSep 7, 2026 (epub)
Toni Rikkonen, Sari Hantunen, Heikki Kröger et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial assessed the impact of vitamin D₃ supplementation on fracture risk in an aging Finnish population (n=2495). Over a mean follow-up of 4.1 years, neither 1600 IU/day nor 3200 IU/day of vitamin D₃ significantly reduced fracture incidence compared to placebo, with hazard ratios of 1.52 and 1.07, respectively.
Key findings
- In the 4.1-year follow-up, the 1600 IU/day group had a fracture hazard ratio of 1.52 compared to placebo.
- The 3200 IU/day group showed a hazard ratio of 1.07, indicating no significant fracture risk reduction.
- During the extended 7.3-year follow-up, the 1600 IU/day group had a hazard ratio of 1.40 for fractures.
- No significant differences in fracture subtypes were observed across the groups.
Why it matters
The study's findings suggest that high doses of vitamin D₃ may not be effective for fracture prevention in older adults who are largely vitamin D-sufficient, challenging current supplementation practices.