Osteoporosis affects 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men over the age of 50 years….

Are You Aware of the Importance of Vitamin D?

Osteoporosis is a thinning and weakening of the bones and can cause bones to break easily. It affects one in three women and one in five men over the age of 50 years and can give rise to considerable pain, suffering and disability.

Everyone knows that Calcium plays an important role in the development of strong and healthy bones. What isn't as well known is that Calcium needs vitamin D to be properly absorbed. In fact most women aren't getting enough vitamin D and as a result have an increased risk of broken bones caused by osteoporosis.

Known as the 'sunlight vitamin', the best source of vitamin D is exposure to sunlight. However, as people get older their skin becomes less able to convert that sunshine into vitamin D, so it's even more important.

Knowing your vitamin D status should help you make changes that may protect you against broken bones in the future. Why not talk to your GP about your risk factors and vitamin D intake. Remember, vitamin D is vital for Calcium to be properly absorbed and you need both for strong, healthy bones.

Find out more about the role vitamin D plays in osteoporosis by downloading 'The ABC's of Vitamin D'

To find out more about osteoporosis and how you can take action now to help prevent or slow down this debilitating condition, simply click on the topics to the left.

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