Plain vitamin D or active vitamin D in the treatment of osteoporosis: where do we stand today?

Osteoporosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and its prevention in order to avert fractures was considered of great importance in maintaining well-being and independence among the elderly. Strategies for osteoporosis prevention are well delineated, but research shows that the treatment options offered today could still be improved. The role of plain vitamin D (cholecalciferol) in bone health and the prevention of osteoporosis are well documented; however, as a treatment for osteoporosis, either with or without calcium, it has been shown to be ineffective.

Vitamin D-insufficiency: An estimate of the situation in Germany.

Background: Vitamin D insufficiency is increasingly recognized as an important risk factor in the pathogenesis of falls and fractures and may increase the risk of other diseases. The aim of this study was to obtain information about the vitamin D supply from a representative cohort of the German population.  

Methods: 264 General practitioners participated in the DeViD-Trial (D-Vitamin in Deutschland) by taking blood samples from their consenting daily ambulant patients regardless of the actual reason for consultation.

Monofluorophosphate combined with hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal osteoporosis. An open-label pilot efficacy and safety study.

A 3-year, open-label, monocenter study was performed on 60 patients with postmenopausal established osteoporosis treated with monofluorophosphate and calcium supplement (MFP/Ca) combined with hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Bone mineral density (BMD) after 3 years increased by 15.5% in the lumbar spine (L2-L4) and by 2.