"We know that Vitamin D plays an important role in protecting bones and needs to be part of the treatment plan for adults with osteoporosis.  Unfortunately, this study indicates that we can and should be doing more to ensure that patients have adequate levels of vitamin D," says Dr. Jonathan D. Adachi, Professor, Department of Medicine at St. Joseph's Hospital, McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. "The results of this study should underscore the importance of looking at vitamin D status to ensure that Canadians with osteoporosis are receiving the appropriate supplementation for comprehensive treatment of their disease."

Supplemental vitamin D helps patients with osteoporosis that may not get enough vitamin D through diet or exposure to natural sunlight to absorb calcium and build bone mass.

Canadians are at increased risk of vitamin D deficiency from October through April because winter sunlight in northern latitudes does not contain enough ultraviolet B for vitamin D to be produced. Further, as one ages, the skin is less able to make vitamin D from sunlight exposure.

Source: MERCK