Illness Researcher

Vitamin D

Suggested

2 studies · 1 recommendation

Last updated: February 25, 2026

Vitamin D – Osteoporosis
Suggested2 studies

Adequate vitamin D levels support bone density and reduce fracture risk in osteoporosis

A clinical practice guideline and a large cohort study (n=14,624) confirm vitamin D's role in osteoporosis prevention and management. Vitamin D is critical for calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism, with insufficiency directly linked to low bone mineral density. In the EPIC-Norfolk cohort, participants with serum 25(OH)D levels of 50-70 nmol/L had a 29% lower fracture risk (HR 0.71) compared to those below 30 nmol/L, after adjusting for age, sex, BMI, smoking, alcohol, and fracture history. Populations with limited sunlight exposure face heightened deficiency risk. In adults over 65, the relationship between vitamin D and fracture risk follows a J-shaped curve rather than a linear pattern. Maintaining serum 25(OH)D above 50 nmol/L is recommended as standard care for at-risk populations.

Evidence

Fracture Risk in Relation to Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Physical Activity: Results from the EPIC-Norfolk Cohort Study.

Authors: Huybrechts, I, Julian, C, Khaw, K-T, Lentjes, MAH, Luben, R, Moreno, LA, Wareham, N

Published: January 1, 2016

In the EPIC-Norfolk cohort of 14,624 men and women aged 42-82, followed from 1998-2000 to March 2015, 1,183 fractures were recorded. After full adjustment for age, sex, month, BMI, smoking status, alcohol intake, supplement use, and fracture history using Cox proportional hazard models, participants with serum 25(OH)D of 50-70 nmol/L had a 29% lower fracture risk (HR 0.71) compared to those in the lowest category (<30 nmol/L). Vitamin D categories were defined as <30, 30-50, 50-70, 70-90, and >90 nmol/L. The age- and sex-adjusted hazard ratios across increasing vitamin D categories were not significantly different before additional covariate adjustment. In older adults (>65 years), the association was J-shaped rather than linear.

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Clinical Practice Guideline for Vitamin D

Authors: Tarver, William J.

Published: May 15, 2013

Clinical practice guideline identifies vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency, measured by low serum 25-OH vitamin D levels, as directly associated with osteoporosis and low bone mineral density. The guideline emphasizes that vitamin D is critical for calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism. Populations with inadequate sunlight exposure — including those at northern latitudes with reduced winter sunlight — are identified as particularly vulnerable to vitamin D deficiency and subsequent bone density loss. Close monitoring and maintenance of adequate vitamin D levels is recommended as a standard of care for at-risk populations.

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