The Role of Calcium and Vitamin D in Postmenopausal Women A report from the Women's Health Initiative has evaluated whether supplemental calcium and vitamin D provide any significant benefit in osteoporosis treatment. The study investigated whether the supplements provided any significant protection against future bone fractures. The study has a number of design flaws, which are pointed out. These include the fact that the control group was allowed to take calcium and vitamin D on their own along with hormonal therapy, bisphosphonates, and miacalcin. Scientists question whether the vitamin D dose of 400 I.U.s per day used in this study is really sufficient for women. Compliance in taking the calcium carbonate and vitamin D prescribed in this study was associated with a decreased rate of hip fracture, but unfortunately in those patients who failed to comply the benefits were not seen. The study re-emphasizes the need to be evaluated with bone mineral density measurements (DEXA scan) to see if you are truly osteoporotic. Taking calcium and vitamin D does not substitute for a proper evaluation by your physician for the presence of osteoporosis. Calcium and vitamin D are considered important background medications, but osteoporosis needs to be treated with more specific and stronger therapies including bisphosphonates (Fosamax, Actonel, Boniva), Forteo, Miacalcin nasal spray, or Evista.

[ Thu, 27 Apr 2006 07:56:04 -0500 ]

Listen

Download

Listen on your iPhone