Objective: A recent study in North America reported that over half of women treated for osteoporosis had vitamin D inadequacy, suggesting that patients with osteoporosis are not consistently taking vitamin D supplements. This study evaluated serum 25(OH)D concentrations in regions outside North America to examine the global prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Methods: 1206 community-dwelling, postmenopausal women with osteoporosis from 18 countries (including north, central and southern Europe, Middle East, Central and South America, Asia and Pacific Rim) were recruited between May and September, 2004. A serum 25(OH)D, intact parathyroid hormone (PTH), and chemistry panel were obtained. Information on factors that could influence vitamin D status was obtained by questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to assess the frequency of vitamin D inadequacy overall, by region, and by vitamin D supplementation > 400IU daily (yes/no). Results: Data are presented for 1163 women who completed the study. The mean age was 67.7 years (range 42-92). Data were collected during winter for 2 countries, during summer for 13; 3 countries are equatorial. The mean (SD) serum 25(OH)D was 28.3 (12.6) ng/mL. Overall, serum 25(OH)D was <20 ng/mL in 26%, <25 ng/mL in 43%, and <30 ng/mL in 58% of subjects. The prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy did not appear to be influenced strongly by latitude or season: South America 42%, Europe 53%, Asia 57%, Australia 59%, Central America 61%, Middle East 82%. Conclusions: Vitamin D inadequacy is common in women with osteoporosis across regions of the world, regardless of latitude or season. In this study, conducted in 18 countries from Europe, Middle East, Asia-Pacific and Latin America, 58% of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis had vitamin D inadequacy. These results underscore a need to improve physician and patient awareness of the importance of adequate vitamin D supplementation in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis
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Faculty Member's Name: S Ragi Eis, MD
Grants/Research Support: Merck Research Laboratories
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