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Vitamin D and Broken Bones

Recent research from Scotland reinforces the longstanding medical conclusion that vitamin D deficiency leads to a significantly increased risk of bone fractures.

Among people with hip fractures referred to the Scottish Fracture Liaison Service, 98 percent tested positive for serious deficiencies in vitamin D. Supplementation with the vitamin, on the other hand, significantly reduced the risk of repeat fractures.

“Taking a supplement can make a difference quite quickly,” said Stephen Gallacher, head of the Liaison Service. “Bone density can increase by 20 percent in a few months with enough vitamin D.”

“We have found we can reduce fractures by something like 30 to 50 percent. It is our belief that we can significantly reduce the risk of fractures in the population by giving people anti-osteoporosis therapy and vitamin D supplements.”

The Fracture Liaison Service is a comprehensive attempt to uncover the cause of broken bones and prevent repeat occurrences. Anyone over the age of 50 who breaks a bone in Scotland is referred to the Service for a bone density and vitamin D assessment, and treatment is suggested for those who are deficient.

Data collected by the Fracture Liaison Service shows that vitamin D deficiency is nearly universal among hip fracture patients in Scotland. This could explain the relatively high rate of fractures in comparison with countries such as Iceland, which has more comprehensive dietary education, he said.

According to Gallacher, the data suggest that “vitamin D inadequacy represents a significant correctable risk factor for fragility fracture in our elderly population, and the observed prevalence of inadequacy is substantially higher than in many other parts of the world.”

Hippocrates Natural Vitamin D3 is available.

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