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Vitamin D - It Does the Bones Good

You’ve never had any broken bones, but are wondering if it’s time to begin taking Vitamin D – if so, why and how much?

Vitamin D is important for bone and muscle development, and it is vital in the treatment of osteoporosis. It helps regulate the minerals, calcium and phosphorus, and helps maintain proper bone structure. Although most studies that have evaluated vitamin D also include calcium, research suggests that these supplements can decrease the risk of falls, fractures and bone loss in older people.

Carolyn Jachna, MD, a Washington University specialist in bone and mineral diseases, says “People with vitamin D deficiency often have decreased muscle strength; therefore taking vitamin D supplements can improve muscle strength and reduce the risk of falling. Also the risk of breaking a bone decreases through vitamin D’s effect on bone metabolism.”

Vitamin D deficiency is more common than most people might expect, and anyone over age 50 should ask their doctor to test them for vitamin D deficiency.

The possibility for vitamin D deficiency in people over age 65 is high. Factors that contribute to this include the small amount of time that they spend in the sun. Older people may have fewer receptors in their skin that convert sunlight to vitamin D.

In addition, most people don’t get enough vitamin D in their diet and as we age, our bodies may have more difficulty converting vitamin D to an active form.

Vitamin D is in foods such as fortified milk (100 IU/cup), cereals, orange juice and yogurt, as well as eggs, salmon, tuna and mackerel, but the amounts are not sufficient to raise blood levels to optimal levels. Therefore, most people at risk for vitamin D deficiency require supplementation.

Dr. Jachna adds, “To reach the average Vitamin D daily requirements of older adults, a supplement of 800-1,000 IU of vitamin D may be needed per day. Yet, some people can require higher doses, especially in the winter months.”

If you have concerns about your bone health, please call 314-454-7775 to make an appointment with Dr. Jachna.

Patients are seen at:

Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital
Medical Building Two,
10 Barnes West Drive
Suite 200
Creve Coeur, MO, 63141

Carolyn Jachna, MD

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Vitamin D - It Does the Bones Good

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