Category Archives: Vitamin D

Review: Calcium, Vitamin D, K, B, C Essential for Bone Quality

Abstract

[Diabetes mellitus and osteoporosis. Dietary therapy of diabetes related osteoporosis].

Diabetic patients are prone to fracture, even when their bone mineral density (BMD) is high, suggesting that BMD is not exclusive factor for bone health. Bone strength is determined by BMD and bone quality, the latter of which could influence fracture risk in diabetic patients. Calcium, vitamin D and vitamin K are essential for increasing and/or maintaining BMD. Vitamin B group and C, which contribute to maintain bone quality, are also important. Intake of these mineral and vitamins under controlling energy consumption plays a key role for bone health.

Uenishi K
Clin Calcium Sep 2012
PMID: 22932295

Vitamin K1 + D + Minerals Reduced Bone Loss in Postmenopausal Women

Abstract

Vitamin K1 supplementation retards bone loss in postmenopausal women between 50 and 60 years of age.

Although several observational studies have demonstrated an association between vitamin K status and bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women, no placebo-controlled intervention trials of the effect of vitamin K1 supplementation on bone loss have been reported thus far. In the trial presented here we have investigated the potential complementary effect of vitamin K1 (1 mg/day) and a mineral + vitamin D supplement (8 microg/day) on postmenopausal bone loss. The design of our study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled intervention study; 181 healthy postmenopausal women between 50 and 60 years old were recruited, 155 of whom completed the study. During the 3-year treatment period, participants received a daily supplement containing either placebo, or calcium, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin D (MD group), or the same formulation with additional vitamin K1 (MDK group). The main outcome was the change in BMD of the femoral neck and lumbar spine after 3 years, as measured by DXA. The group receiving the supplement containing additional vitamin K1 showed reduced bone loss of the femoral neck: after 3 years the difference between the MDK and the placebo group was 1.7% (95% Cl: 0.35-3.44) and that between the MDK and MD group was 1.3% (95% Cl: 0.10-3.41). No significant differences were observed among the three groups with respect to change of BMD at the site of the lumbar spine. If co-administered with minerals and vitamin D, vitamin K1 may substantially contribute to reducing postmenopausal bone loss at the site of the femoral neck.

Braam LA, Knapen MH, Geusens P, Brouns F…
Calcif. Tissue Int. Jul 2003
PMID: 14506950

Eldecalcitol Stronger than Vitamin D

Abstract

Osteoporosis treatment by a new active vitamin D3 compound, eldecalcitol, in Japan.

Although vitamin D is used mainly as a nutritional supplement in osteoporosis treatment, its active form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)(2)D], has an effect to maintain bone remodeling balance as well. Eldecalcitol is an analog of 1,25(OH) (2)D(3) with stronger effects than its native form in improving bone remodeling balance and increasing bone mineral density in osteoporotic patients. Daily 0.75 μg eldecalcitol is superior to 1.0 μg alfacalcidol in preventing new vertebral fractures under vitamin D supplementation, and is approved for osteoporosis treatment in Japan. Eldecalcitol also decreases wrist fractures. Further studies are warranted to examine the effect of eldecalcitol on other nonvertebral fractures, extraskeletal systems including falls, and combined treatment with other drugs in osteoporotic patients, as well as the mechanism of action of eldecalcitol.

Matsumoto T
Curr Osteoporos Rep Dec 2012
PMID: 22918710

Video: Dr. Hofflich “Osteoporosis Update 2013” – Stein Institute for Research on Aging

Here is a nice talk by Dr. Heather Hofflich from May 15, 2013. She’s an Associate Professor of Medicine at UCSD. She gives an overview of osteoporosis and discusses the causes and therapies used to treat it. She also takes a look at recent controversies in treatment plans and vitamin usage.

One thing that bothers me about her talk is that she claims Teriparatide is the only thing in the world that builds bone by increasing osteoblast activity. I’ve posted many studies that found increases in osteoblasts from a variety of things. She also didn’t mention any other potentially helpful dietary supplements besides Calcium and Vitamin D. Like most MDs, she is probably unaware of anything that is not FDA approved.

Nutrients Correlated With Bone Density

Abstract

[Validation of questionnaires for the study of food habits and bone mass].

The loss of bone mass and density is influenced by nutritional factors that act on the bone mass peak, age-related bone loss and muscle strength. The objective of the present study was to validate a food frequency questionnaire applied to estimate the relationship between food habits and bone mineral density (BMD) in a healthy adult population.
The results of the food frequency questionnaire were compared with 24-hr recall findings. Calcaneus BMD was measured by densitometry.
The validity of the questionnaire was demonstrated, with Spearman correlation coefficients of 0.014 to 0.467. The Bland-Altman test also found no differences in study variables between the two methods. Correlation analysis showed that the BMD was significantly associated with the intake of vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin B12, folate, thiamine and iron. Total fat consumption was not associated with BMD but the intake of monounsaturated fatty acids, EPA, DHA and cholesterol showed a significant correlation.
The questionnaire evaluates the consumption of energy and nutrients with adequate validity. Its application revealed the importance for bone health of a diet rich in B-group vitamins, vitamin D, calcium, iron, monounsaturated fatty acids and n-3.

Rivas A, Romero A, Mariscal M, Monteagudo C…
Nutr Hosp
PMID: 19893861 | Free Full Text | Full Text English Translation

The full text has a very interesting chart with a list of nutrients and their correlation with bone density.

Vitamins D + B Improve Bone Markers in Elderly

Abstract

One year B and D vitamins supplementation improves metabolic bone markers.

Vitamin D and vitamin B deficiency are common in elderly subjects and are important risk factors for osteoporosis and age-related diseases. Supplementation with these vitamins is a promising preventative strategy. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of vitamins D3 and B supplementation on bone turnover and metabolism in elderly people.
Healthy subjects (n=93; >54 years) were randomly assigned to receive either daily vitamin D3 (1200 IU), folic acid (0.5 mg), vitamin B12 (0.5 mg), vitamin B6 (50 mg), and calcium carbonate (456 mg) (group A) or only vitamin D3 plus calcium carbonate (group B) in a double blind trial. We measured at baseline and after 6 and 12 months of supplementation vitamins, metabolites, and bone turnover markers.
At baseline mean plasma 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] was low (40 or 30 nmol/L) and parathormone was high (63.7 or 77.9 pg/mL). 25(OH)D and parathormone correlated inversely. S-Adenosyl homocysteine and S-adenosyl methionine correlated with bone alkaline phosphatase, sclerostin, and parathormone. One year vitamin D3 or D3 and B supplementation increased plasma 25(OH)D by median 87.6% (group A) and 133.3% (group B). Parathormone was lowered by median 28.3% (A) and 41.2% (B), bone alkaline phosphatase decreased by 2.8% (A) and 16.2% (B), osteocalin by 37.5% (A) and 49.4% (B), and tartrate-resistant-acid-phosphatase 5b by 6.1% (A) and 36.0% (B). Median total homocysteine (tHcy) was high at baseline (group A: 12.6, group B: 12.3 µmol/L) and decreased by B vitamins (group A) to 8.9 µmol/L (29.4%). tHcy lowering had no additional effect on bone turnover.
One year vitamin D3 supplementation with or without B vitamins decreased the bone turnover significantly. Vitamin D3 lowered parathormone. The additional application of B vitamins did not further improve bone turnover. The marked tHcy lowering by B vitamins may modulate the osteoporotic risk.

Herrmann W, Kirsch SH, Kruse V, Eckert R…
Clin. Chem. Lab. Med. Mar 2013
PMID: 23183751

Fish Consumption Helps Maintain Bone in Spanish Women – 2013

Abstract

Dietary habits, nutrients and bone mass in Spanish premenopausal women: the contribution of fish to better bone health.

The moderate consumption of fish is recommended for a healthy diet and is also a feature of the Mediterranean diet. Fish is a major food group in diets throughout the world, and studies show that fish consumption is associated with a lower risk of a number of conditions. Spain has one of the highest annual per capita consumptions of fish worldwide. As fish is a source of high quality protein; n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids; vitamins, such as A and D; and minerals, such as selenium, calcium, iodine, magnesium, copper and zinc, nutrients that have positive effects on bone characteristics, it has been proposed that its consumption could improve bone health. In this cross-sectional study, we have investigated the relationship between dietary habits and nutrient intake of 151 Spanish premenopausal women and analyzed the association of fish consumption on bone mass measured by quantitative ultrasound of the phalanges. A higher (P < 0.05) bone mass and vitamin D intake (P < 0.05) was observed in the group with a fish intake of 5-7 servings/week. We conclude that increased fish consumption is helpful in maintaining an adequate bone mass in Spanish premenopausal women.

Calderon-Garcia JF, Moran JM, Roncero-Martin R, Rey-Sanchez P…
Nutrients Jan 2013
PMID: 23271510 | Free Full Text

Review: Protein, Calcium, Vitamins D, C, K, and Fruits and Veggies in Osteoporosis

Abstract

The role of diet in osteoporosis prevention and management.

Diet, a modifiable osteoporosis risk factor, plays an important role in the acquisition and maintenance of bone mass. The influence of diet on bone begins in childhood; even maternal diet can influence bone mass in the offspring. A good general nutritional status and adequate dietary protein, calcium, vitamin D, fruits, and vegetables have a positive influence on bone health, while a high caloric diet and heavy alcohol consumption have been associated with lower bone mass and higher rates of fracture. The evidence for a role of other minerals and vitamins in skeletal health is not as strong, but recent evidence suggests that vitamins C and K might also have an effect on bone.

Levis S, Lagari VS
Curr Osteoporos Rep Dec 2012
PMID: 23001895

Low Protein Increases Bone Loss in Vitamin D Deficiency or Ovariectomy in Rats

Abstract

Low protein intake magnifies detrimental effects of ovariectomy and vitamin D on bone.

Protein-induced changes in bone and calcium homeostasis could potentially be greater in the elderly and in women at risk for osteoporosis. We hypothesize that a low protein intake would magnify the negative changes in bone metabolism seen in vitamin D (vitD) insufficiency and/or estrogen deficiency. The present study was undertaken to better understand how a low protein diet along with vitD insufficiency could affect bone metabolism using a rodent ovariectomized (OVX) model. Rats (n = 60) underwent ovariectomy (OVX) or sham operation. The first 15 days after surgery, all rats were fed a standard rodent diet. Thereafter, rats (n = 10/group) were fed a low protein diet (LP; 2.5 %) or a control diet (NP; 12.5 %) with 100 IU% vitD (+D; cholecalciferol) or without vitD (-D) for 45 days. The groups were as follows: SHAM + NP + D (control); SHAM + LP + D; SHAM + LP – D; OVX + NP + D; OVX + LP + D; OVX + LP – D. Body weight (BW) of control and OVX + NP + D groups increased while those feeding the LP diet, independently of vitD feedings, decreased (p < 0.05). The OVX + LP – D group presented the lowest serum Ca, phosphorus and osteocalcin levels and the highest CTX levels (p < 0.05). At the end of the study, total skeleton bone mineral content, proximal tibia bone mineral density, bone volume and trabecular number levels decreased as follows: SHAM + NP + D (controls) > SHAM + LP + D > OVX + NP + D > SHAM + LP – D > OVX + LP + D > OVX + LP – D (p < 0.05). A low protein diet negatively affected bone mass and magnified the detrimental effects of vitD and/or estrogen deficiencies.

Marotte C, Gonzales Chaves MM, Pellegrini GG, Friedman SM…
Calcif. Tissue Int. Aug 2013
PMID: 23708885

Review: Vitamin D + Isoflavones may be Synergistic

Abstract

Vitamin D interactions with soy isoflavones on bone after menopause: a review.

Vitamin D is known to increase Ca absorption in adults. However, the threshold vitamin D status to benefit Ca absorption is lower than the target vitamin D status for higher bone mineral density and lower fracture risk, pointing to another pathway for vitamin D to benefit bone. One possibility is by affecting osteoblast and osteoclasts directly. Vitamin D-related bone metabolism may also be affected by soy isoflavones, which selectively bind to the estrogen receptor β and may reduce bone loss in postmenopausal women. We discuss a possible synergistic effect of soy isoflavones and vitamin D on bone by affecting osteoblast and osteoclast formation and activity in postmenopausal women.

Park CY, Weaver CM
Nutrients Nov 2012
PMID: 23201836 | Free Full Text