title: [Vitamin D and fractures in the elderly].
abstract: Osteoporosis and the subsequent fractures caused by this are a source of morbidity and mortality in the elderly population. It is also often the start of the cascade that culminates in frailty and dependence. Vitamin D has a direct relationship with the appearance of osteoporosis and with the risk of fractures. Receptors of this vitamin have also recently been described in other organs and systems of the body that are associated with muscle strength, cancer and overall mortality. Deficiency of this vitamin in the elderly population in Spain is very prevalent, both in the community and the hospitalised elderly. The diagnosis and treatment are straightforward and cheap. Its efficacy in the prevention of osteoporosis and in the appearance of fractures is perfectly demonstrated. In this review, we will look at the physiology and actions of this vitamin, as well as the principal studies that have demonstrated its effectiveness in the elderly population.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Geriatría, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, España. eugeniomf80@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Eugenio
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Marañón
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Omonte
authors.forename: María Loreto
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Alvarez
authors.forename: José Antonio
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Serra
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002118:Calcium / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D058866:Osteoporotic Fractures / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000502:physiology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D014807:Vitamin D; D002118:Calcium