Osteoporosis patients reminded to take calcium, vit D
Many osteoporosis patients could be putting the effectiveness of their treatment in jeopardy by not taking calcium supplements, a doctor has warned.
Patients who are prescribed bisphosphonates to reduce their risk of fracture are usually also prescribed calcium and vitamin D.
Calcium helps to strengthen the bones while vitamin D aids the absorption of calcium.
However, patients who do not take calcium and vitamin D properly alongside their osteoporosis treatment may not get the full benefit from their treatment, a study in the journal Osteoporosis International has revealed.
Dr Sally Hope, a GP from Oxfordshire, said: "We can see from recent market research data conducted in Europe that 43 per cent of patients are not taking any calcium and/or vitamin D supplementation with their bisphosphonate treatment, despite clear recommendations to do so."
Around 70,000 osteoporotic hip fractures occur every year in England and Wales.
Many osteoporosis patients could be putting the effectiveness of their treatment in jeopardy by not taking calcium supplements, a doctor has warned.
