| Theme |
Nutrition and exercise for the fracture prevention |
| Title |
Does vitamin D insufficiency increase fracture in Japan? |
| Author |
Mizuho Ando |
Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Fujita Health University |
| Author |
Atsushi Suzuki |
Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Fujita Health University |
| [ Summary ] |
Vitamin D metabolism plays a crucial role in maintaining calcium-phosphate metabolism. Vitamin D deficiency is known to contribute to rickets and osteomalacia. Its insufficiency is considered to be a risk factor for osteoporosis. Vitamin D metabolism affects not only calcium homeostasis but also balance of the motion. Therefore, adequate quantities of vitamin D are required to prevent falls in the elderly, including osteoporotic patients. Therefore, more attention should be paid to vitamin D insufficiency, especially in our super-aging society. There are a number of Japanese domestic guidelines to prevent osteomalacia and rickets. However, optimal vitamin D levels for osteoporotic patients are still under discussion. |