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High levels of vitamin D may improve function of osteoporosis medications

Category: Vitamin D Deficiency-Diagnosis and Treatment

Bone mineral density medications have helped many women with osteoporosis reduce their risk of fractures, but a new study suggests that patients taking these medications may benefit from vitamin D testing. The results show that they are much more effective in those who have high levels of the nutrient.

In fact, after assessing the medical records of 160 patients taking osteoporosis medications, the Hospital for Special Surgery researchers found that those who had blood levels of vitamin D above current Institute of Medicine recommendations were the most likely to have strong bone health.

Currently, the Institute of Medicine recommends between 20 and 30 nanograms of vitamin D per milliliter of blood. However, the results of the investigation showed that participants who were above 33 nanograms per milliliter were seven times more likely to experience a favorable treatment outcome while taking osteoporosis medications.

The researchers said that there has been a significant amount of controversy lately over what should be considered optimal levels of vitamin D, with many researchers advocating for higher recommendations than currently . However, they believe their findings may help answer these questions.