6.6.1.1 Calcium and vitamin D
Prescribing Notes
- Supplementation with calcium and vitamin D alone has been shown to reduce fracture rates in housebound elderly patients without previous fracture. Evidence in other patient groups is lacking.
- Those with, or at risk of, osteoporosis should maintain adequate supply of calcium and vitamin D. If deficiency is suspected, this should be corrected by increasing dietary intake or taking supplements.
- Dietary sources of calcium are the preferred option, see National Osteoporosis Society website for information on calcium rich food and a calcium calculator.
- With the introduction of licensed vitamin D preparations, many clinicians are moving away from the use of combined calcium and vitamin D preparations in favour of single agent vitamin D preparations (in patients who are calcium replete).
- For vitamin D guidance, see section 9.6.4 and for single agent calcium supplements, see section 9.5.1.1.