Taking vitamin D, with or without calcium, does not lower the risk of older adults falling or having fractures, according to a new draft recommendation by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

More than one in four older adults falls in the U.S. each year, which can lead to broken bones and other injuries.2 Vitamin D and calcium are sometimes taken together because the body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium, which is essential for bone health.

“Often patients have read or heard from someone that they should be taking them for a variety of reasons, and so they do,” Barbara Bawer, MD, a family medicine physician at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, told Health. The recommendation by the nationwide panel of experts doesn’t apply to people with osteoporosis, vitamin D deficiency, or those taking vitamin D for other medical reasons.

While the report concluded that vitamin D doesn’t lower the risk of fractures or falls in older adults, it doesn’t say that people should forgo vitamin D or calcium or that they have no benefits. Here’s what the panel found—plus what doctors who treat aging patients actually suggest for preventing falls and fractures.

Doctors said there are a few ways to lower the risk of fractures and falls with age.

Take routine walks. “I tell people to walk more,” Segil said. Not only does this help build up muscle and bone strength, but it can also help with balance.

Do strength training. Weight-bearing exercises can help build up bone strength, Segil said. “I would advise people to do weight-bearing exercises over taking a vitamin any day of the week,” he added.

Try balance exercises. “Doing balance exercises like tai-chi, Pilates, and yoga can help as well,” Bawer said.

Look at your medications. People with osteoporosis can take medications like bisphosphonates to lower the risk of fractures, Shapses said.

Ramp up protein intake. On the dietary front, having plenty of protein may also help lower the risk of fractures and falls, Shapses said.

Stay on top of your eye health. Bawer suggests getting annual eye exams and wearing necessary visual tools like glasses and contacts.

Get plenty of sleep. “Get enough sleep because as people are more tired, their risk of falls increases and therefore fractures,” Bawer said.

Tidy up your home. Decluttering your environment to reduce trip hazards is crucial, too, Fudyma said.

Unfortunately, lowering the risk of fractures and falls in older adults isn’t as simple as taking a supplement. “For most people with adequate vitamin D and calcium levels, supplements don’t help prevent falls or fractures,” Shapses said. “Supplements are only helpful if you are deficient.”