A recent report lists vitamin D as an essential element to build strong, healthy bones. Unfortunately, a majority of Americans are not consuming enough of the key nutrient. The study estimated that over 70 percent of women age 51-70 and almost 90 percent of women over 70 are not getting an adequate intake of vitamin D from food and supplements.
"Many physicians and patients are seemingly unaware of the importance of vitamin D in bone health. Given its effect on calcium absorption, vitamin D insufficiency is an important medical concern for patients with osteoporosis, as it can lead to bone loss and an increased risk of fracture," said Robert Heaney, M.D., professor of medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska.
Adequate levels of vitamin D help develop strong bones by increasing absorption of calcium in the intestines and depositing it in bone tissue. Good food sources of vitamin D include fatty fish such as salmon, as well as vitamin D-fortified milk and orange juice. In addition, the skin produces vitamin D when exposed to the sun's ultraviolet rays.
Women taking prescription medicines to ward off osteoporosis may be interested to learn that the FDA has approved Fosamax Plus D (alendronate sodium/cholecalciferol), a once-weekly tablet containing seven days' worth of vitamin D. Clinical data show that the bisphosphonate drug reduces the risk of hip and spine fractures in men and postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.
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