Baton Rouge Orthopedic Doctor: Protecting Against Osteoporosis with Vitamin D

Our bone tissue is constantly being absorbed and generated throughout our lives, with bone density peaking for most people in their late 20s, then it steadily decreases with age.  When bone regeneration cannot keep pace with bone tissue loss, osteoporosis occurs along with a more rapid decline in bone density. This leaves your bones weak and vulnerable to fracture. Fracture treatment on these bones can be difficult and may result in impaired mobility.  So how can you prevent bone tissue loss?  With vitamin D.  While calcium rich foods aid in building strong bones, vitamin D promotes calcium absorption during the digestive process which builds stronger bones.

How do I get vitamin D?

The best source of vitamin D is the sun. Walking outside each day for 15-30 minutes will give your body the vitamin D it needs, and your bones and muscles the activity and exercise they need.

Can you get vitamin D through foods?

While vitamin D is contained in foods like egg yolk, cheese, and fatty fish (tuna, salmon, mackerel, etc.), sunlight remains the best source for this vitamin. Many foods including juices, cereal and milk products are fortified with vitamin D, so it is important to check labels.

What happens if I do not get enough vitamin D?

Vitamin D is important to your overall health, but from an orthopedic standpoint it’s a critical piece for overall bone health. It is estimated that as many as half of the hip fractures in older adults in the U.S. occur in patients with decreased levels of vitamin D.  Low vitamin D levels can accelerate the natural loss of bone density that occurs with age, leaving you prone to these "fragility" fractures and deformities.

The key to healthy vitamin D levels and strong, healthy bones is an active lifestyle that includes sun exposure and a healthy balanced diet that includes varied sources of both vitamin D and calcium.

How do I know if I am vitamin D deficient?

While the US Preventative Service Task Force can't recommend for or against routine screening for vitamin D deficiency, it's a conversation you should have with your primary care physician or orthopedic surgeon.  This can be checked with a simple blood test.

If you are suffering from lower back, hip, or pelvic pain entrusting your diagnosis and treatment to a skilled, experienced physician is essential to restoring your health and comfort.  Dr. Arthur Hess is a board certified, fellowship trained orthopedic that specializes in pelvic and acetabular (hip socket) surgery at the Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge.