← All goals

Supplements for bone health

Maintaining bone strength as you age.

Start with the basics

  • Weight-bearing and resistance exercise, adequate dietary calcium and protein, fall prevention.

Talk to a healthcare professional first

This information is for education only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Supplements can interact with medications and health conditions. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting anything, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA; supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Ranked by strength of evidence

Vitamin D

CLimited evidence

Vitamin D alone did not reduce fractures in community-dwelling adults; combined calcium + vitamin D showed a small reduction in some analyses, mainly in older or institutionalized people.

Dose used in studies
800–1,000 IU/day, usually with calcium
Time to effect
Months to years
Most relevant for
Older adults at fracture risk, together with calcium
Studies (3)
Safety, side effects & interactions →Where to buy (affiliate)

When to see a doctor

  • You've had a fracture from a minor fall or have osteoporosis risk factors.