Calcium and vitamin D supplements in healthy, postmenopausal women provide a modest benefit in preserving bone mass and prevent hip fractures in certain groups, including older women, but do not prevent other types of fractures or colorectal cancer, according to the results of a major clinical trial, part of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI). While generally well tolerated, the supplements were associated with an increased risk of kidney stones.

The study results are published in the February 16 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine. The WHI is sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health.

To read the full release, please go to http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/new/press/06-02-15.htm.