G O'Malley1, E Mulkerrin. 1. Department of Medicine for the Elderly, University Hospital, Galway, Ireland. gmnimhaille@yahoo.co.uk
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Vitamin D insufficiency is an extremely common condition particularly in the older Irish population. This is a consequence of Ireland's geographical position and climate. A recent study showed more than 75% of a cohort of older Irish females had vitamin D insufficiency. OBJECTIVES: We outline the definition of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency, its sources and metabolism as well as the clinical consequences of deficiency. We explore the current guidelines and discuss the pitfalls in the management of vitamin D replacement and in particular address recent Irish data on the feasibility and efficacy of intramuscular treatment. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D is important for calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism and reduced levels lead to osteomalacia, exacerbate osteoporosis and increase the risk of falls. Evidence is emerging that vitamin D has a role beyond musculoskeletal health and may impact on the cardiovascular and autoimmune systems, as well as the risk of malignancy.
INTRODUCTION:Vitamin Dinsufficiency is an extremely common condition particularly in the older Irish population. This is a consequence of Ireland's geographical position and climate. A recent study showed more than 75% of a cohort of older Irish females had vitamin Dinsufficiency. OBJECTIVES: We outline the definition of vitamin Dinsufficiency and deficiency, its sources and metabolism as well as the clinical consequences of deficiency. We explore the current guidelines and discuss the pitfalls in the management of vitamin D replacement and in particular address recent Irish data on the feasibility and efficacy of intramuscular treatment. CONCLUSION:Vitamin D is important for calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism and reduced levels lead to osteomalacia, exacerbate osteoporosis and increase the risk of falls. Evidence is emerging that vitamin D has a role beyond musculoskeletal health and may impact on the cardiovascular and autoimmune systems, as well as the risk of malignancy.
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