Vitamin D for osteoporosis

An adequate calcium intake and adequate body stores of vitamin D are important foundations for maintaining bone density and strength. The NHS says Vitamin D "helps control the amount of calcium and phosphate in your body, which are needed to keep your bones and teeth healthy." However vitamin D and calcium alone are not sufficient treatment for osteoporosis. They are usually given in conjunction with other treatments. Vitamin D is important in several respects:

• Vitamin D helps the absorption of calcium from the intestines.
• A lack of vitamin D causes calcium-depleted bone (osteomalacia), which further weakens the bones and increases the risk of fractures.
• Vitamin D, along with adequate calcium (at least 700 mg of elemental calcium daily), has been shown in some studies to increase bone density and decrease fractures in older postmenopausal, but not in premenopausal or perimenopausal women.

Vitamin D comes from the diet and the skin. Vitamin D production by the skin is dependent on exposure to sunlight. Active people living in sunny regions (southern Spain, Greece, countries around the equator, etc.) can produce most of the vitamin D they need from their skin. Conversely lack of exposure to sunlight due to residence in northern latitudes (such as the whole of the UK) or physical incapacitation, causes vitamin D deficiency. In northern regions such as the UK or Scandinavian countries, skin production of vitamin D is markedly diminished in the winter months, especially among the elderly. In that population dietary vitamin D becomes important.

Unfortunately vitamin D deficiency is quite common in the UK. It is thought that about 15% of adults in the UK have vitamin D deficiency and that number rises to 30% in those over 65 years old.

The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition has recommended that adults over 65 years old should get 400 IU (10 micrograms) vitamin D daily. EU guidelines state that most other healthy adults should get 200 IU (5 micrograms) daily.

But if a person already has osteoporosis, it is advisable to ensure 800 IU (20 micrograms) daily, most commonly as a supplement alongside prescription osteoporosis medication.

Adequate calcium and vitamin D are critical for bone health.

Adequate levels of calcium and vitamin D must be assured along with any prescription osteoporosis medication. Chronic excessive use of vitamin D, especially above 2000 IU (50 micrograms) per day, can lead to toxic levels of vitamin D, elevated calcium levels in blood and urine and may also cause kidney stones. Since various dietary supplements may also contain vitamin D, it is important to review vitamin D content in dietary supplements before taking additional vitamin D.