With the explosion of the elderly population, it is not just a case of calcium to be considered when thinking about treating osteoporosis. Nearly 50% of all Americans do not get adequate Vitamin D supplementation. Building bones is a life long project. Optimizing peak bone mass in early adulthood is your best defense in preventing osteoporosis later in life. Ensuring sufficient vitamin D (measured as 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) in plasma), is believed to facilitate the achievement of optimum peak bone mass. As for women, an optimum bone mass before menses makes for a much better chance of avoiding osteoporosis later in life. Further research indicates that Vitamin D in doses of at least 800 IU plays a role in hip-fracture prevention in ambulatory or institutionalized elderly patients. Any amount less will not be sufficient. Is this case, it's never too late to start taking an oral dose of Vitamin D. Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that is found in food and can also be made in your body after exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Sunshine is a significant source of vitamin D because UV rays from sunlight triggers vitamin D synthesis in the skin. Those who avoid the sun can contribute to their Vitamin D intake naturally. Below is a list of food sources you can use to increase you dosages of Vitamin D. Food International Units(IU) per serving Percent DV* Cod liver oil, 1 Tablespoon 1,360 340 Salmon, cooked, 3½ ounces 360 90 Mackerel, cooked, 3½ ounces 345 90 Tuna fish, canned in oil, 3 ounces 200 50 Sardines, canned in oil, drained, 1¾ ounces 250 70 Milk, nonfat, reduced fat, and whole, vitamin D fortified, 1 cup 98 25 Margarine, fortified, 1 Tablespoon 60 15 Pudding, prepared from mix and made with vitamin D fortified milk, ½ cup 50 10 Ready-to-eat cereals fortified with 10% of the DV for vitamin D, ¾ cup to 1 cup servings (servings vary according to the brand) 40 10 Egg, 1 whole (vitamin D is found in egg yolk) 20 6 Liver, beef, cooked, 3½ ounces 15 4 Cheese, Swiss, 1 ounce 12 4 References Papp A, Siris E, Holick M, et al, "Prevalence of Vitamin D Inadequacy in North American Women Receiving Therapy for Osteoporosis", Endocr Pract. 2005;11 (Suppl 1) 43. Bischoff-Ferrari HA, Willett WC, Wong JB, Giovannucci E, Dietrich T, Dawson-Hughes B. "Fracture prevention with vitamin D supplementation: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials." JAMA. 2005 May 11;293(18):2257-64. Willett AM., "Vitamin D status and its relationship with parathyroid hormone and bone mineral status in older adolescents." Proc Nutr Soc. 2005 May;64(2):193-203. FREE AIR MAIL SHIPPING IN THE UNITED STATES! The statements made here have not been evaluated by the FDA. The foregoing statements are based upon sound and reliable studies, and are meant for informational purposes. Consult with your medical practitioner to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. Copyright 1997-2010 Life Extension Vitamin Supplies and Life Extension Institute, Inc. All rights reserved.