Vitamin D supplements can cut the risk of bone fractures in elderly people, even if taken only four times a year in high-dose, slow-release capsules.

　　So say British researchers who found quarterly supplements of vitamin D could reduce the overall risk of fractures in people over 65 by 22 percent. The risk of fracture at common sites, such as the hip, wrist, forearms or back, was reduced by 33 percent with vitamin D supplementation.

　　However, researchers cautions, too much vitamin D can be toxic and recommends that no one take more than 800 IUs of vitamin D a day without consulting their physician first. They recommends that both men and women over 65 should get between 400 and 800 IUs of vitamin D a day, and at least 1,200 milligrams of calcium daily.(蓝欣)