Effects on bone mineral density of calcium and vitamin D supplementation in elderly women with vitamin D deficiency.

Objective: Calcium and vitamin D deficiency is common in older individuals, particularly those who live in nursing homes, and increases the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

Methods: We conducted a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study of combined supplementation with 500 mg of elemental calcium, as carbonate, and 400 IU of vitamin D bid for 12 months in women older than 65 years of age with vitamin D deficiency, defined as serum 25(OH)D concentrations
Results: Mean patient age was 75 +/- 7 years, and median daily dietary intakes of calcium and vitamin D were 697 mg and 66.