|
|
|
|
Calcium is a tried-and-true supplement for protecting bone health among post-menopausal women. Now, a new study in the British Medical Journal shows the importance of Vitamin D in calcium’s effectiveness and suggests that the benefits — reduced fractures — extend to both men and women, regardless of age.
A research team from Copenhagen University Hospital in Denmark looked at seven major randomized studies from the last 40 years involving more than 68,000 participants, some 85 percent of whom were women. The scientists analytical criteria included only those trials with a minimum of 1,000 participants and at least one calcium plus Vitamin D control and where fracture was an outcome. The participants’ average age was 69-plus years.
In examining the data, they found that the combination of calcium plus Vitamin D3 reduced fractures by 8 percent overall and reduced hip fractures by 16 percent, regardless of gender, age or fracture history. Their results mirror the outcomes of three other meta-analyses that reviewed data from Vitamin D trials. In particular, the evidence suggesting that daily doses of 400 IU to 800 IU of Vitamin D alone do not appear to be effective in preventing fractures.
According to Osteoporosis Canada (OS), some two million people in this country — one in four women and one in eight men over the age of 50 — suffer from osteoporosis. Characterized by low bone mass and the deterioration of bone tissue, osteoporosis causes fragility and increases the risk of fracture, especially of the hip, spine and wrist. The combination of bone-building calcium in combination with Vitamin D work in complementary fashion, making it the standard for bone health: calcium supports bone formation and maintenance, while Vitamin D boosts calcium absorption in the body.
OS currently recommends a total daily intake of 1,500 mg of calcium from diet and supplements combined for anyone over the age of 50. (Look at the amount of elemental calcium on the label to accurately calculate your daily supplement intake.)
Since most Canadians receive inadequate sun exposure to synthesize Vitamin D in the body, anyone over 50 should also receive a minimum of 800 IU of Vitamin D each day to enhance calcium absorption in the body and optimize bone health. Very few foods naturally contain Vitamin D, while heavy clothing, cloudy weather and sun avoidance can all inhibit the production of Vitamin D in the body. Look for a supplement that contains Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), which is the same form of Vitamin D produced when skin is exposed to sunlight. It is superior to Vitamin D2 for increasing calcium absorption.
Source: British Medical Journal
2010; 340: b5463,
“Patient level pooled analysis of 68 500 patients from seven major vitamin D fracture trials in US and Europe,”
B. Abrahamsen for the DIPART (Vitamin D Individual Patient Analysis of Randomized Trials) Group.
|
|
|