High-Dose Vitamin D for Bones? A 5-Year Trial Says No
Taking extra vitamin D to keep your bones strong? A five-year randomized trial in 2,495 older Finns found that neither 1,600 nor 3,200 IU/day reduced fractures compared with placebo. Oddly, the 1,600 IU group had more fractures (HR 1.52), though the higher dose showed no such effect, which suggests chance may be at play. Participants already had sufficient vitamin D at baseline, so the results may not apply to people who are deficient. Here is what the study found, what its limits are, and what to do before buying another bottle.
Pine Bark Extract Cut a Bone-Loss Marker—But There's a Catch
A pine bark extract just posted a surprising result in women with weakening bones: a key bone-breakdown marker fell, and pain scores improved. But the headline hides a catch that could change how you read it. In a 67-woman randomized trial, CTX-1 dropped within the Pycnogenol group, yet there was no significant difference versus placebo at any visit. A companion paper found better pain and vitality scores and a reassuring short-term safety profile. Here is what the dose, the data and the limitations really tell us.