Osteoporosis affects over 40 million Americans, literally with “porous bones,” a condition that takes place when your body does not replace bone tissues that are naturally lost over time. If excessive amounts of bone tissue is lost, bone density drops, making individuals more susceptible to fractures, especially as one gets older. Vitamin D has been known as one of the primary nutrients in controlling Osteoporosis. Here is how it can help avoid the disease:
Nearly everyone understands that calcium is important for developing bones that are healthy and strong. Calcium assists bones with the remineralization process in making new bone cells to prevent bone fractures and weakness. However, many individuals are not aware that without adequate vitamin D, calcium would not be able to do its job.
Calcium is probably the most significant mineral in the body, and it’s found in high levels in the bones and teeth. The body receives calcium from food that is eaten. Once the food is consumed, the calcium is absorbed into the bloodstream and tissues.
Vitamin D assists with the absorption of calcium by allowing it to move to the bones and other areas of the human body. Lacking vitamin D can make it difficult for the body to take in enough calcium to generate new bone cells and keep the bones strong.
Additionally, by preventing the loss of bone tissue, vitamin D also helps prevent bone injuries by strengthening nerves and muscles, making bone-breaking injuries less likely to occur. People who acquire Osteoporosis tend to have lower amounts of vitamin D in contrast to people who do not have the disease.
Several scientific studies have examined this link to determine whether receiving vitamin D supplements can help avoid the disease. The results of these studies have proven to be beneficial. For example, one study conducted in the United Kingdom discovered that the women who were administered vitamin D supplements benefited from denser, stronger bones than women who were not offered the supplements, suggesting that supplementation may provide a practical way to avoid bone loss.
A study conducted in the United States analyzed older patients who had Osteoporosis and those who did not. The study found that individuals who received vitamin D supplements had significantly lower levels of fractures than the individuals who did not take the any supplements.
Sources: National Osteoporosis Foundation, Vitamin D Council, Research Study, JN Journal of Nutrition, Research Study
