Vitamin D and Calcium for Older Women

Clinical Study Title:
The health economics of calcium and vitamin D3 for the prevention of osteoporotic hip fractures in Sweden.

Plain English Summary:

This study looked at the cost effectiveness of using a combination of vitamin D and calcium for older women. The use of a calcium-vitamin D combination is projected to help in decreasing the risk of fractures by 27%. Taking into account how using a daily supplement can reduce costs to repair fractures, the daily supplement then is a preferred alternative. This is especially true for older women, but projections also support the use of a daily supplement for younger women, as it too has cost effective basis. The use of a daily supplement can maintain health and keep costs down by helping to prevent medical and unwanted incidents.

Authors:
Willis MS.

Institution:
Swedish Institute for Health Economics.

Country of Publication:
England

Source:
International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care. 18(4):791-807, 2002 Fall.