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Vitamin D and calcium: what do we need to know?
Vincent Zhang1, Xuezhi Jiang, Yousaf Z Farukhi
1Departments of *ObGyn; §Internal Medicine, The Reading Hospital and Medical Center, Reading; Departments of †ObGyn; ∥Internal Medicine, Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; ‡Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Portland, Maine.
Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology
|September 20, 2013
Summary
Calcium and vitamin D supplementation show strong evidence for bone health in postmenopausal women. However, vitamin D alone has inconclusive effects on bone health, highlighting the importance of combined intake.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Gerontology
- Bone Health Research
Background:
- Postmenopausal women face increased risk of bone health decline.
- Calcium and vitamin D are crucial micronutrients for skeletal integrity.
- Recent guidelines from AHRQ and IOM address supplementation and intake.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on calcium and vitamin D for bone health.
- To evaluate recent recommendations on supplementation and dietary intake.
- To determine the evidence for synergistic and individual roles of calcium and vitamin D.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of large trials and meta-analyses.
- Analysis of major recommendations from health organizations.
- Synthesis of evidence regarding calcium and vitamin D efficacy.
Main Results:
- Strong evidence supports the synergistic role of calcium and vitamin D in postmenopausal bone health.
- The independent effect of vitamin D on bone health remains inconclusive.
- Recent recommendations emphasize combined calcium and vitamin D intake.
Conclusions:
- Combined calcium and vitamin D supplementation is recommended for postmenopausal bone health.
- Further research is needed to clarify the role of vitamin D alone.
- Dietary reference intakes for calcium and vitamin D are critical.
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