Background: Low-energy fractures of the hip, forearm, shoulder, and spine are known consequences of osteoporosis. Objective: We evaluated the effect of 1 y of treatment with calcium and vitamin D on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone markers in patients with a recent low-energy fracture. Design: In a double-blinded design, patients with fracture of the hip (lower-extremity fracture, or LEF) or upper extremity (UEF) were randomly assigned to receive 3000 mg calcium carbonate ѿ 1400 IU cholecalciferolorplacebo(200IUcholecalciferol).BMDofthehip(HBMD)and lumbar spine (LBMD) were evaluated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and physical performance was assessed by the timed Up & Go test. Serum concentrations of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol, parathyroid hormone (PTH), telepeptide of type I collagen (ICTP), osteocalcin, and N-terminal propeptide of collagen type I were measured. Results: A total of 122 patients were included (84% women; x Ȁ SD age: 70 Ȁ 11 y); 68% completed the study. In an intention-to-treat analysis, LBMD increased in the intervention group and decreased in the placebo group, and the difference between the groups was significant after 12 mo: 0.931 Ȁ 0.211 compared with 0.848 Ȁ 0.194 (P 0.05). No significant change was shown for HBMD. The effect of treatment was more pronounced in patients aged 70 y. The intervention decreased bone turnover. PTH was significantly lower in the intervention group (P 0.01) for the LEF patients. ICTP and change in LBMD were significantly related to physical performance. Conclusions: A 1-y intervention with calcium and vitamin D reduced bone turnover, significantly increased BMD in patients younger than 70 y, and decreased bone loss in older patients. The effect of treatment was related to physical performance.Am J Clin Nutr 2007;86:251-9.