SUPPLEMENTS taken by thousands of people to reduce the risk of fractures may actually be ineffective, say York researchers.

A study by the University of York into calcium and vitamin D supplements - which some older women rely on - has found no evidence that the supplements reduce their risk of fracture.

Researchers from the university's York Trials Unit identified 3,314 women aged 70 and over who were at high risk of hip fracture.

The women were split into two groups. One group was given daily calcium and vitamin D tablets and advice from a practice nurse on how to reduce the risk of fracture, the other only a leaflet on diet and the prevention of falls.

During the average two-year monitoring period, fracture rates were lower than expected, but there was no significant difference between the groups.

YTU director Professor David Torgerson, who led the research, said there was no evidence the supplements reduced the risk of fractures or falling, or improved quality of life.

The trial was restricted to women because they are more at risk of osteoporosis than men.

Prof Torgerson said: "There is no conclusive evidence that calcium and vitamin D supplements, which can be prescribed or obtained 'over the counter' at pharmacies, are effective in reducing fractures for people living in the community.

"While they have been shown to reduce hip fractures among older women living in nursing homes, that may be because patients in residential care spend less time outdoors than people living in their own homes - and sunlight is the principal source of vitamin D."

The study, was one of the biggest if its type ever undertaken, is the latest in a series of large-scale trials mounted by the Department of Health Sciences.

Other trials have examined topics from the treatment of back pain to the use of maggots to treat leg ulcers.

Updated: 11:11 Friday, April 29, 2005