Vitamin D levels inadequate in half of women treated with osteoporosis drugs

A study published in the June 2005 issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism Research has found that many women treated for osteoporosis have low levels of vitamin D, a nutrient necessary for adequate bone mineralization.

The study involved 1,536 postmenopausal women from 61 study sites who had been taking medications for the treatment of osteoporosis for a minimum of three months. Participants were allowed to have used vitamin D supplements as long as the dosage had remained consistent.

Overall, 52% percent of the women had vitamin D levels considered inadequate. Sixty-three percent of women who reported a supplemental intake of 400 IU's or less had inadequate vitamin D levels compared to 45 percent of those whose intake was 400 IU's or greater. Lower levels were also associated with the lack of physician counseling regarding the importance of vitamin D in bone health.

The results of this study emphasize the need for greater education of the public and physicians regarding the significance of vitamin D status in the care of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.