Add Vitamin D to Calcium to Reduce Osteoporosis Risk, Says FDA

I've told you bluntly that You Need More Vitamin D with Your Calcium. Why? According to The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF):

The relationship between calcium absorption and vitamin D is similar to that of a locked door and a key. Vitamin D is the key that unlocks the door and allows calcium to leave the intestine and enter the bloodstream. Vitamin D also works in the kidneys to help resorb calcium that otherwise would be excreted.

I've also given you ways on Adding Vitamin D to a Nondairy Diet.

Why do I remind you of all this? Because the Food and Drug Administration announced that it has amended its advice for reducing the risk of osteoporosis by recommending the use of vitamin D along with calcium.

The FDA site is hopeless to search, so I have to fall back on this press release. It was put out by the Coca-Cola Co., which gained permission to add vitamin D to the already calcium-fortified drinks it makes, especially orange juice put out under the Minute Maid label.

Anyway, here's the deal.

The amended labeling regulation explains that vitamin D is required for the normal absorption of calcium, and authorizes the health claim: "Adequate calcium and vitamin D throughout life, as part of a well-balanced diet, may reduce the risk of osteoporosis."

"Osteoporosis is a growing public health crisis, and all Americans, men and women alike, will benefit from knowing that vitamin D along with calcium can help delay or prevent the onset of this disease," said Robert P. Heaney MD, FACP, John A. Creighton University Professor and Professor of Medicine at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. "Along with weight-bearing exercise, the most valuable intervention for maintaining bone health is an overall healthful diet that supplies adequate amounts of all nutrients such as vitamin D."

The US National Osteoporosis Foundation predicts that by 2010, about 12 million people over the age of 50 will have osteoporosis and another 40 million will have low bone mass. These numbers are expected to continue climbing. To help address this significant public health issue, the FDA developed this health claim for manufacturers to include on labels of appropriate foods and dietary supplements. The new labeling can help consumers identify products with adequate calcium and Vitamin D that can help to reduce their risk of osteoporosis.