Calcium and vitamin D supplements seem to do more than just strengthen bones in older women and in younger and active women, it reduces their risk of stress fractures.

Many bone health are referring to a recent study of more than 5,200 female U.S Navy recruits to illustrate that point. The results of the study show that women who don not take additional calcium and vitamin D are around 25 percent more likely to have a stress fracture than women who take these supplements.

Dr. Sabrina Strickland, who is an orthopedic surgeon at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City, says: “When you increase your exercise levels and when you do a lot from doing nothing, it’s the most common time for a stress fracture.”

“Before starting any kind of exercise regimen, one should take calcium and vitamin D supplements to avoid stress fracture,” she added.

Usually when muscles get tired and can’t absorb shock properly, stress fractures occur and more than half of them occur in the lower leg.

Women have more chances to suffer stress fractures and especially those women who involve in just one specific sport like tennis, running, basketball or gymnastic.