Andrea Meiring Dr. Zemel NUT 302 5 March 2009 Vitamin D and the Health of Postmenopausal Women In recent years, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency has been a topic ofconcern for many, especially the aging population whose diseases can be exacerbated by insufficient vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency is well recognized as a major health problem for adults greater than 50 years of age (1). Research shows that obtaining a proper amount of vitamin D via sunlight or dietary sources is necessary for bone health and prevention of cancers and cardiovasculardisease (2). Normal vitamin D status is defined a s 25(OH)D (calcidiol) concentrations of 75–125 nmol/L. Sustaining a level below what is considered normal may cause the onset of health problems associated with vitamin D deficiency. Adequate vitamin D should be of special concern to postmenopausal women who as a result of a lower level of estrogen, are at an increased risk for a number of health conditions, such as osteoporosis, heart disease, and breast cancer, all of which sufficient vitamin D offers a protective effect against. Osteoporosis, or porous bone, is a disease characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to bone fragility and an increased risk of fractures of the hip, spine, and wrist. Women have a higher risk of developing osteoporosis because women have less bone tissue and lose bone faster than men because of the changes that happen with menopause. Vitamin D plays a key role in maintaining bone health since it increases the absorption ofcalcium, the most abundant mineral in bone composition, and the mineralization of the skeletal system. Insufficient vitamin D leads to reduced calcium absorption, 1
