Prakt. lékáren. 2011; 7(2): 58-61

The irreplaceable role of vitamin D in prevention and treatment of osteoporosis

prof.MUDr.Sylvie Dusilová Sulková, DrSc., MBA

Klinika nefrologie IKEM, Praha

Osteoporosis and its consequences represent a major clinical and socio-economic problem. A low calcium intake and particularly vitamin

D deficiency are the crucial factors resulting in or contributing to osteoporosis; supplementation with vitamin D is an essential

condition for both prevention and treatment. Calcidiol concentrations below 50 nmol/l (= 20 ng/ml) are clearly unfavourable for bone

metabolism; some authors extend this limit up to 70 nmol/l. Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) at 700–800 IU daily is the preferred type of

vitamin D supplementation. Attention also has to paid to the minerals essential for bone tissue (daily calcium intake of 800–1 000 mg,

or even as high as 1 500 mg). Normalization of vitamin D levels in the body is beneficial for the skeletal muscle, immune system and

many other tissues.

Keywords: vitamin D, osteoporosis, calcium, calcidiol, calcitriol, hyperparathyroidism

Published: April 5, 2011  Show citation