Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Generation of Hypoparathyroid Rats via Carbon-Nanoparticle-Assisted Parathyroidectomy
Published on: July 14, 2023
Vitamin D and secondary hyperparathyroidism in the institutionalized elderly: a literature review
1Montefiore Medical Center, Division of Geriatrics, Bronx, NY, USA.
Abstract:
Low vitamin D status is recognized as a prevalent disorder in certain high-risk groups. The greatest prevalence has been reported in the institutionalized elderly. The goal of this article is to review the literature pertaining to vitamin D deficiency in the institutionalized elderly and to highlight the need for treatment in this high-risk group. A computer search for English language articles from 1980 to February 2007 was conducted using the PubMed database and key words vitamin D, hyperparathyroidism, elderly, institutionalization, and nursing home. Several risk factors have been noted, which are more prominent in the institutionalized elderly, including decreased sun exposure, poor oral intake, and multiple comorbidities. Long-term care residents should be prescribed higher doses of calcium and vitamin D for adequate bone mineral density and fracture prevention.
Related Concept Videos
Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis
The Parathyroid Glands
Oxyphil cells, whose functions remain elusive, emerge during late puberty, adding a layer of complexity to the parathyroid gland's intricacies. In contrast, principal parathyroid cells undertake a vital role by producing...
Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
Drug Dosing: Geriatric Patients
Hormones and Bone Tissue
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...