Vitamin D for the treatment of osteoporosis.

Abstract

Vitamin D deficiency in edlery people can cause secondary hyperparathyroidism, leading to an elevated risk of femoral neck fracture. This risk can be reduced by plain vitamin D replenishment. Osteoblast dysfunction associated with vitamin D deficiency can be partially reduced by vitamin D replenishment. These effects of vitamin D are, however, dose-dependent, and it is unknown whether or not increased bone resorption can be suppressed by vitamin D replenishment. We may definitely say that the amount of vitamin D ingested needs to be increased to keep bone metabolism at a proper level in elderly individuals. It is, however, unknown whether or not the effect of vitamin D replenishment in reducing the risk of fracture is longlasting. Administration of 1,25(OH)2D3 to postmenopausal osteoporotic women without vitamin D deficiency can suppress bone resorption. This effect seems to depend on the doses employed and the VDR genotypes. In some populations, the risk of vertebral compression fractures seems to be reduced by active type vitamin D treatment. Additional studies for periods longer than the previous studies (1–3 years) are needed.