subject: Vitamin D and Osteoporosis [print this page] Vitamin D and Osteoporosis Vitamin D and Osteoporosis
International experts on medicine are weighing in on what weshould all be aiming for: to treat and prevent osteoporosis. Thetargets: calcium and vitamin D. With the widespreadimplications of this bone-weakening disease, we would do wellto all know what they are thinking.
In late November, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) of theNational Academy of Sciences released new recommendationson dietary reference intakes for vitamin D across all agecategories. The report from this U.S. institution is based on allthe research they could find, high-quality studies, whichsupported people using calcium and vitamin D to improve bonehealth.
The IOM found that all adults should aim for 600 internationalunits (IU) a day, and adults over 70 should aim for 800 IU a day.
Vitamin D deficiency itself is an important health issue toaddress, as it has been linked to the development of osteoporosisand hip fractures, as well as other skeletal and non-skeletaldisorders. (And, not to mention, a slew of diseases throughoutthe body. )
The IOM recommendations for your daily intake of vitamin Dhave increased since 1997, which osteoporosis experts havecommended. The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF),meanwhile, is busy trying to reduce the burden of vitamin Ddeficiency worldwide.
This past April, IOF published global recommendations forvitamin D in older adults, the age group most at risk ofosteoporosis. The IOF advised higher daily intakes for olderadults in the range of 800 to 1,000 IU per day.
It's important to note that the amount needed per day varies perperson. Some who get good exposure to the sun each day willrequire less vitamin D, for example. On the other hand, thosewho are overweight or obese would need more vitamin D. Thereare many other factors, some unidentified, that might play a roleas well. This means it's important to check with your familydoctor on what level of vitamin D intake is best for yourparticular case.
However, in general, the IOM says an older adult can safely takedoses of 4,000 IU per day of vitamin D. You should consultyour doctor before you take a dose that high, though, as onceyou start getting over 1,500 IU a day, you would be doing so todirectly fight a disease.
The IOF says the IOM vitamin D recommendations won't coverthe needs of high-risk seniors. Obese individuals, those withosteoporosis, those with limited sun exposure, and those whohave absorption problems are all likely to need more vitamin D. To read more from Doctors Health Press, click here
