If you think taking vitamin D supplements is helping you build stronger bones, think again.
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Researchers from the University of Auckland in New Zealand recently conducted a study, published in the Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology journal, to determine the effectiveness of the over-the-counter pills, which have been associated with a decreased risk of a conditions like osteoporosis.
To do so, they examined data from 81 trials on the topic that involved more than 53,000 people. Most of the participants were women over the age of 65.
The team specifically evaluated how vitamin D supplements helped prevent fractures, falls and bone density and found there is “little justification” for taking these pills as they do not have a meaningful effect on the bones.
“Our meta-analysis finds that vitamin D supplementation does not prevent fractures, falls or improve bone mineral density, whether at high or low dose,” lead author Mark J. Bolland said in a statement.
They also said the pills do not “maintain or improve musculoskeletal health” and that there is no need for more trials to explore this.
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Although the scientists believe the daily doses of vitamin D do not promote good bone health, they did note it can be beneficial in preventing skin conditions like rickets and osteomalacia, which can occur after a prolonged lack of exposure to sunshine, resulting in deficiency.
This isn’t the first study to disprove the effectiveness of vitamins.
A study published earlier this year determined common supplements, including multivitamins, calcium, vitamin C and vitamin D were not advantageous and did not further prevent cardiovascular disease, heart attack, stroke or premature death.
In a linked comment on the latest findings, J. Chris Gallagher of Creighton University Medical Centre in Omaha, said “The context for this analysis lies in the fact that many patients (and doctors) have been persuaded by various studies and social media that vitamin D is a cure-all. This thinking is reminiscent of the fervour that supported the widespread use of vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E years ago, and all of those vitamin trials later proved to be clinically negative.”
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