Vitamin D, specifically vitamin D3, is critical for calcium absorption in the body. Vitamin D3, or cholecalciferol, performs several key functions important for the prevention of osteoporosis. First, it increases the calcium absorption and phosphorus absorption from food in the intestines. Secondly, it promotes the re-absorption of calcium in the kidney. Furthermore, vitamin D3 inhibits the release of parathyroid hormone (PTH) from the parathyroid gland. This is significant, because PTH stimulates bone cells called osteoclasts to 'chew up' bone and release calcium into the blood stream. Therefore, vitamin D3 has the net effect of increasing calcium levels in the blood while maintaining bone mass.
Without enough Vitamin D, it does not matter how much calcium you take because your body will not able to get the calcium from the food into your bloodstream. Calcium is not only the building blocks of our bones and but is vital for body functions including contraction of the bodies' muscles, expansion and contraction of blood vessels, secretion of many hormones and enzymes. Calcium is even needed for transmitting messages through the nervous system and countless other functions of every cell in the body. Calcium and Vitamin D are important to the daily functioning of our bodies.
Your body actually has the ability to produce Vitamin D from sunlight on your skin. If you spend time outside everyday for 20-30 minutes, you most likely get enough direct sunlight. Sitting next to a window or in shade does not count. If you do not get outdoors this much, live in a climate where is always seems to be cloudy or live in a really northern climate such as Alaska - you should consider a Vitamin D supplement. Of course, overexposure to sunlight carries it own risks, most notability skin cancer.
Some foods are also high in Vitamin D. These foods include eggs, butter, some cheeses, fortified milk, fortified cereals and oysters.
The recommended daily intake for Vitamin D is 400 to 800 IU. Since vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin (means your body is unable to eliminate any extract from your system), you do not want to take more than the maximum recommended dosage.
Osteoporosis is a disease where the bones are thinner than normal and resulting in a severe loss of bone. Osteoporosis can lead to broken bones including the hips and wrists, as well as, painful compression fractures of the spine. Calcium is required for the body to be able to develop new bone. Without calcium, the body is unable able to make new bone and can lead over time to osteoporosis. Therefore, without Vitamin D the body does not absorb calcium creating the possibility for osteoporosis.
Many of the most commonly prescribed medications for osteoporosis including Actonel, Boniva, Reclast, Evista and Fosmax all have recommendation for Vitamin D supplementation. If you are on any of these medications, you should take with your physician on how much Vitamin D you should be taking on a daily bases.
Vitamin D is critical for calcium absorption. Those women who are on an osteoporosis medication should all be taking Vitamin D in some form to help slow the progression of their osteoporosis. If you get plenty of sunlight each day, your body most like produces enough Vitamin D but other should add more foods high in Vitamin D or consider a supplement in order to get the recommended dosage. Vitamin D is a key vitamin your body needs every day.
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