In another blow for vitamin D supplementation in healthy adults, findings from the largest population-based trial to date have found no bone mineral density advantage compared with taking a placebo.

Researchers from the VITAL trial, of almost 26,000 adults unselected for vitamin D insufficiency, have reported on a subgroup of 771 participants who had not been on any bisphosphonates or other bone active agents for two years prior to enrolment.

They found daily supplementation with 2000 IU vitamin D3 (without calcium) did not increase bone mineral density (BMD) or reduce bone loss at the spine, femoral neck, total hip or whole body compared with placebo over two years.

The participants were American men older than 50 and women older than 55 (mean age 63.8), who were randomised to supplementation with vitamin D3, omega-3 fatty acids, both supplements, or placebo.