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Recent Findings on Calcium and Vitamin D
February 15, 2006 -- NOF statement in response to the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) findings outlined in the *New England Journal of Medicine article, “Calcium plus Vitamin D Supplementation and the Risk of Fractures:"
The recently reported WHI findings related to calcium and vitamin D raise key points about maintaining optimal bone health. NOF reminds all women that while calcium and vitamin D play an important role in maintaining bone health, they are not the only steps to take.
NOF continues to recommend Five Steps to Bone Health:
- Get your daily recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D
- Engage in regular weight-bearing exercise
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol
- Talk to your healthcare professional about bone health, including risk factors and family history
- Have a bone density test and take medication when appropriate
NOF has no plans to revise its calcium and vitamin D guidelines.
Dr. Ethel Siris, president of the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) applauds the WHI for focusing on this important subject. “NOF scientists continue to believe that all women require adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D throughout their lives,” says Dr. Siris. “Adequate daily intake of calcium for women should be between 1000-1300 mg and, currently, the recommended daily intake for vitamin D is 400-800 IU.” Women can get the recommended daily intake of calcium and vitamin D through diet, supplements or a combination of both. Dr. Siris advises, “speak to your healthcare professional about the best approach for you, as an individual, and actions to take to adhere to those requirements.”
About NOF: Established in 1984, the National Osteoporosis Foundation is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization solely dedicated to osteoporosis and bone health. Our mission is to prevent osteoporosis, to promote lifelong bone health, to help improve the lives of those affected by osteoporosis and related fractures, and to find a cure.
*N Engl J Med. 2006 Feb 16:354(7):669-83.
The latest
Last week, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Panel voted that the risks of calcitonin salmon outweigh the benefits for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. The panel joined health authorities around the world in reviewing the drug’s safety after two recent studies showed slightly higher rates of cancer among patients taking calcitonin. The panel voted against continued use of the drug by a narrow majority, pointing out that it has not been found very effective in preventing bone fractures.
In today's Washington Post article "Calcium and Vitamin D findings show that caring for your bones can be compilicated," NOF's senior clinical director, Dr. Felicia Cosman helps clear up some of the confusion around the recent and conflicting research on calcium and vitamin D. She says: "It’s confusing, even for doctors. But there’s a common thread: None of the heart or kidney risks were associated with calcium from food."
CIRCA, the leading international buyer of fine jewelry, diamonds and watches, announced a new partnership with NOF at a Generations of Strength luncheon at the Friars Club in New York City on February 26. To kick-off the partnership, CIRCA’s Acting CEO Mary L. Forté presented NOF Executive Director and CEO Amy Porter with a check for $25,000, to support NOF’s mission.
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