Role Of Vitamin D In Reducing Osteoporosis

Vitamin D helps prevent osteoporosis, a painful disease caused by the thinning of bones. It is usually considered that calcium deficiency is responsible for the weakening of bones leading to fractures and mobility problems but research has shown that along with calcium, deficiency of Vitamin D is equally responsible for weak bones.

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a degenerative disease which affects your bones and makes them thin and brittle which increases risks of a fracture. It involves reduction of the BMD or bone mineral density, alteration of proteins and disruption of bone microarchitecture. Osteoporosis is more common in women, especially in post-menopausal women than in men. It is also frequently seen in the elderly. Though the disease itself doesn't have any specific symptom, the weakening of bones in people suffering from this disease increases risks of fractures. Also known as 'fragility fractures,' the osteoporotic fractures typically occur in the rib, hip, wrist and vertebral column. Although the main reason for osteoporosis is degeneration of bones due to deficiency of calcium and Vitamin D, it can also result from other chronic diseases, as a side-effect of certain medications or due to severe hormonal disorders. Osteoporosis can come from glucocorticoids known as steroid induced osteoporosis or from hyperactivity of the parathyroid gland called hyperparathyroidism. Often the major cause of osteoporosis in children and men is hyperparathyroidism. Vitamin D deficient osteoporosis treatment involves medication, nutritional supplementation, and lifestyle changes.

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