• Grand K

• Aging
• Fractures, Bone
• Vitamin D / therapeutic use

Osteoporosis and the resultant fractures are a serious public health concern. One of every three women and one in six men will sustain a hip fracture by the age of ninety. Vitamin D is necessary for healthy bones, and low serum vitamin D has been associated with increased risk of fractures. However, the research is unclear as to whether or not routine supplementation of vitamin D is advisable. A literature search was performed using the PubMed, and Cochrane Library databases. Fifteen pertinent studies were identified and reviewed. Vitamin D supplementation alone did not appear to diminish fracture risk. However, vitamin D, at doses above 700 IU daily, combined with calcium, did demonstrate some association with decreased risk of fracture. These findings were most pronounced in institutional settings, which may relate to compliance to the treatment protocol. Another consideration is the role that vitamin D genomics may play in the efficacy of vitamin D. In addition, vitamin D supplementation appears to be generally safe at the levels tested. The conclusion is that, in the absence of identified risk, vitamin D oral supplementation at higher doses of 700-800 IU may be prudent for those older individuals at risk for fracture.

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