title: Calcium and vitamin D in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis - a clinical update.
abstract: Combined calcium and vitamin D supplementation is an essential component of the management of osteoporosis, supported by a strong scientific rationale. The types of individuals who should receive calcium and vitamin D supplements are those: (i) patients with documented osteoporosis receiving antiresorptive or anabolic treatment; (ii) patients receiving glucocorticoids; and (iii) individuals with or at high risk of calcium and/or vitamin D insufficiencies, in particular older women and men. This article describes the evidence base that supports targeting these groups. Benefits are most apparent when 800 IU day(-1) vitamin D is complemented with a dose of 1000-1200 mg day(-1) elemental calcium. Compliance is also key to optimizing clinical efficacy.
authors.affiliation: Leuven University Center for Metabolic Bone Diseases, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium. steven.boonen@uz.kuleuven.ac.be
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Boonen
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Vanderschueren
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Haentjens
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Lips
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002118:Calcium / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018579:Patient Selection; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014815:Vitamins / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D014815:Vitamins; D014807:Vitamin D; D002118:Calcium