Worldwide people are undersupplied with vitamin D3, which has a key role in bone and calcium metabolism. Shortages can cause Osteoporosis which is a global public health problem with an estimated cost of $19 billion annually.
Inadequate vitamin D3 status can also weaken the muscles of older persons and increases their risk of falling down.
Vitamin D3 can be obtained through sunlight but shortages are very common in the elderly who spend most of their time indoors, especially during the winter.
Dr. H.A. Bischoff-Ferrari, a renowned expert on Vitamin D from the University Hospital Zurich Switzerland recommends, ?All adults should receive between 800 – 1000 IU (20?25mcg) of vitamin D3 per day. This is needed to bring vitamin D3 concentrations in the worldwide population up to advantageous levels. Higher doses of vitamin D3 supplied by fortified food or supplements combined with a balanced diet and adequate physical activity will make an enormous contribution to bone health and overall health of the entire adult population.?
Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease in which the amount of bone tissue is reduced sufficiently to increase the likelihood of fracture. Fractures of the vertebrae, femur (hip), and wrist are the most common osteoporotic fractures, but other bones such as the ribs, upper arm, and pelvis may also fracture.
There are a number of good treatments for primary osteoporosis, most of them medications. Two new medications, alendronate and calcitonin (in nose spray form), have been approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). They provide people who have osteoporosis with a variety of choices for treatment. For people with secondary osteoporosis, treatment may focus on curing the underlying disease.