Vitamin D Helps Prevent Hip Fractures
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. This important vitamin is found in certain foods and can be made in your body after exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun. Vitamin D is necessary for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the intestines. The vitamin helps maintain normal levels of calcium, which is important in the maintenance of strong bones.
Maintaining adequate calcium and vitamin D levels is essential in lowering the risk of osteoporosis. Studies evaluating whether or not vitamin D supplements lower the risk of hip fracture have been conflicting; however, a recently published study indicates that vitamin D supplementation may, indeed, lower the risk of fracture in older persons. Researchers combined data from numerous prior studies evaluating the effect of vitamin D supplementation on the risk of hip fracture. They found that dietary supplementation with 700-800 units of vitamin D daily led to a 23% reduction in the risk of hip fracture when compared to no supplementation. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about how much vitamin D supplementation may be right for you.