Are you a woman over 50, post menopausal, and keep breaking bones?  Do you need a hip or knee replacement?  If so, your diagnosis will probably be blamed on Osteoporosis.

But the real reason could be a Vitamin D deficiency.

According to a recent study by Dr. Kenneth Mathis, chairman of Orthopedic Surgery in Houston Texas, who tested women diagnosed with osteoporosis that were hospitalized for hip fractures, found that 50% of the women were also deficient in Vitamin D.

A long term deficiency of vitamin D contributes to Osteoporosis because it reduces the calcium absorption in your body.  The vitamin helps regulate the amount of calcium in the blood and controls how much moves into bones and teeth.  In addition, Vitamin D has also been found to reduce the risk of breast, colon, and ovarian cancer.

Some of the best sources of vitamin D include: milk, cod liver oil, yogurt and sunlight.   Unfortunately, many people who wear sunscreen over SPF 8 may have difficulty converting the sunlight into vitamin D.

According to Dr. Mathis, people should begin taking the daily recommended amount of Vitamin D when they are younger and should get their levels tested regularly.  Most adults over age 50 should take a daily supplement of vitamin D, if they don’t think they are getting their daily recommended amount.   Adults under age 50 need 200 IU of vitamin D daily, and those over 70 need 600 IU per day.

Similar Posts:

• Are You Deficient in Vitamin D
• Steps to Prevent Osteoporosis
• Vitamin D – The Silent Deficiency
• Why You May Require Extra Vitamin D
• Vitamin D Supplements – Are You Getting Enough of This Vital Nutrient?
• Study Reports Menopausal Women Do Not Absorb Enough Vitamin D