Vitamin D, Calcium Important for Bone Health In Postmenopausal Women
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VRP Staff
Vitamin D and calcium can prevent and treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, according to a recent review of the medical literature.
Boston University researchers looked at the existing research on vitamin D supplementation in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. After reviewing the evidence, they concluded that adequate vitamin D and calcium intake is essential to the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.
Vitamin D and calcium offer the most benefit in the first year of supplementation, the reviewers noted. Even so, two years after discontinuing use of the supplements, subjects lose any benefits gained through supplementation. In older postmenopausal women, the benefits of vitamin D and calcium supplementation are particularly apparent. In women over the age of 65, daily vitamin D intake between 800 and 900 IU and 1,200-1,300 mg of calcium results in increased bone density, decreased bone turnover, and decreased non-vertebral fractures. In studies, vitamin D supplementation has decreased body sway, an indication that this vitamin may confer protection against fractures by preventing falls. Vitamin D and calcium also have benefited younger postmenopausal women. In this group, daily supplementation with 560-800 IU of vitamin D3 and 377-1000 mg of elemental calcium increases spine density and reduces bone loss at the hip. Studies also suggest vitamin D intake may reduce bone loss in perimenopausal women.
Reference:
Malabanan AO, Holick MF. Vitamin D and bone health in postmenopausal women. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2003 Mar;12:2:151-6.
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