Calcium2026-07

Daily Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation as a Foundational Pillar in Osteoporosis Management: A Narrative Review.

Pascual-Pastor María, Barceló-Bru Mireia — Nutrients

Summary

この総説は、骨を弱くする病気である骨粗しょう症の管理において、毎日摂取するカルシウムとビタミンDのサプリメントがいかに重要であるかを考察しています。既存の研究をまとめ、これらの栄養素が骨の強度を維持し、骨折のリスクを減らす上で果たす役割について解説しています。

AI-generated summary — read the original

Key points

Calcium and vitamin D are essential for strong bones and managing osteoporosis.
Supplements of these nutrients can help maintain bone density and reduce fracture risk.
This paper reviews existing scientific evidence and clinical guidelines on their use.
It emphasizes their foundational role, especially for individuals with osteoporosis.

What the study looked at

### What question did the study ask? This review explored how important daily calcium and vitamin D supplementation is as a core strategy for managing osteoporosis, a condition that makes bones fragile and prone to fractures. It aimed to summarize current knowledge on how these supplements contribute to preventing fractures and maintaining bone strength. ### How was it studied (design/participants)? This was a "narrative review," meaning the researchers did not conduct new experiments or involve new participants. Instead, they gathered and summarized a wide range of existing scientific papers, clinical guidelines, and consensus statements related to calcium and vitamin D in osteoporosis management. They synthesized information on the disease, nutrient deficiencies, the effectiveness of combined supplementation, and practical aspects like dosing and challenges in real-world use. ### What did it find? The review found that adequate calcium and vitamin D are considered fundamental for bone health, particularly in individuals with osteoporosis. It highlighted that supplementing these nutrients can help maintain bone mineral density and reduce the risk of fractures, often as a supportive measure alongside other medical treatments. The paper also discussed current recommendations for supplementation and identified areas for improvement in clinical practice and research.

Dietary takeaway

To support strong bones and manage osteoporosis, it's important to ensure adequate calcium intake, ideally from food sources like dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and fortified foods. Vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium, can be obtained from sunlight exposure and fortified foods. While supplements can play a crucial role, especially for those with osteoporosis, always consult a healthcare professional to determine the right approach for your individual needs, as no single study provides all the definitive answers.

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a progressive skeletal disorder characterized by decreased bone strength and an increased risk of fractures. It presents a high global prevalence, thus imposing a significant clinical and economic burden. This narrative review includes current evidence on the role of combined calcium and vitamin D supplementation in the management and prevention of osteoporosis, as well as its effect on reducing fracture risk and maintaining bone mineral density. It aims to provide an overview of osteoporosis pathophysiology, the importance of adequate calcium levels and 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and the prevalence of their deficiencies. The review examines the evidence supporting combined supplementation and its importance in patients receiving anti-osteoporotic pharmacological therapies. Current clinical guidelines and consensus statements, along with their recommendations for dosing, formulation, and monitoring of calcium and vitamin D supplements, are included. Barriers to the effective implementation, gaps in clinical practice, patient adherence, and primary care challenges are discussed. Ultimately, this review examines the cost-effectiveness of supplementation and the areas for improvement in real-world evidence and research in the field of osteoporosis. This work aims to provide clinicians and healthcare professionals with an updated, evidence-based framework for optimizing calcium and vitamin D supplementation in the care of patients with osteoporosis.

View on PubMed →DOI: 10.3390/nu18142292