In osteoporosis management, which two interventions are most important for reducing fracture risk?

• A. Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake plus weight-bearing exercise
• B. Calcium only
• C. Vitamin D only
• D. Non-weight-bearing activities exclusively

Answer: (A)

Maintaining bone strength and lowering fracture risk hinges on providing bones with what they need to stay dense and on reducing the chances of falls. Adequate calcium and vitamin D ensure proper bone mineralization and calcium metabolism; vitamin D helps calcium absorption and bone remodeling, so taking both addresses the nutritional foundation needed to prevent bone weakening. Adding weight-bearing exercise supplies the mechanical stimulus that promotes bone formation and strengthens muscles and balance, which lowers the likelihood of a fall that could cause a fracture.

If you were to rely on calcium alone, insufficient vitamin D can limit calcium absorption and bone remodeling. Vitamin D alone still leaves calcium balance suboptimal. Non-weight-bearing activities don’t provide the necessary mechanical stress on bone or improve balance, so they’re less effective at reducing fracture risk. The combination of adequate calcium and vitamin D intake with weight-bearing exercise offers the most comprehensive approach to reducing fractures.