Recently, the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) published the results of a study stating that “vitamin D supplementation cannot prevent fractures”, which caused heated discussions and media attention. Vitamin D.”
In this regard, the Osteoporosis Society of the Republic of China came forward to explain, “This study believes that vitamin D supplementation is not recommended for the general public, but not for patients with osteoporosis. Patients with osteoporosis should still supplement sufficient calcium and vitamin D to prevent fractures. “
Calcium and vitamin D are essential for osteoporosis patients!
The society stated that, after referring to the existing literature and expert discussions, it published recommendations for calcium and vitamin D intake for patients with osteoporosis:
1. For postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, the recommended daily calcium intake is at least 1200 mg. The recommended daily calcium intake for men with osteoporosis over the age of 50 is at least 1000 mg. The daily intake of vitamin D for all patients with osteoporosis is at least 800 IU. (includes diet and supplements)
2. Supplementing sufficient calcium and vitamin D at the same time can effectively reduce the risk of fractures. However, there is insufficient evidence that calcium supplementation alone or vitamin D supplementation alone is effective in reducing fracture risk.
3. Excessive calcium intake (more than 1500 mg) does not produce additional benefits and may be associated with potential risk of stones or cardiovascular disease.
4. Calcium and vitamin D supplementation cannot replace drug therapy. Osteoporosis patients and patients with fragility fractures should receive anti-osteoporotic drug treatment and adequate calcium and vitamin D supplementation at the same time.
How to properly take calcium and vitamin D in patients with osteoporosis?
According to the Society, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) and the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) recommendations: adults over 50 should consume at least 1,200 mg of dietary calcium (including calcium supplements) and 800 of vitamin D per day. ~1000 international units (IU). Foods with high calcium content are most easily obtained from “cheese”, others such as beans, dark green vegetables, sesame seeds, golden needles, seaweed, kelp, shiitake mushrooms, dried small fish, seaweed, nuts, etc. In addition, intake of fruits rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, oranges, kiwifruit, guava, etc., can promote calcium absorption.
When supplementing calcium, you can refer to a simple calculation table or consult a nutritionist. If necessary, you must take calcium supplements. However, if the daily intake of calcium exceeds 1200 to 1500 mg, it will not benefit the body, but it will increase kidney stones. Cardiovascular disease risk. The society pointed out that the physiological functions of vitamin D include promoting calcium absorption, maintaining normal bone metabolism, muscle function, balance function and preventing falls, and studies have confirmed that insufficient intake of vitamin D will increase bone loss and reduce bone density. fracture.
Sources of vitamin D include sun exposure, food and supplements or medicines, the society said. Studies suggest that people with osteoporosis should consume at least 800 IU of vitamin D daily. During the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and drug treatment, it is advisable to supplement adequate calcium and vitamin D at the same time.
Source: 2021 Consensus and Guidelines on Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis in Adults in Taiwan.
Reprinted with permission from “Healthcare Network” / Reported by reporter Yang Aiting