While it has long been known that severe Vitamin D deficiency results in rickets, a serious disease which prevents mineralization of the bones and results in skeletal deformities, it is now being discovered that less severe deficiencies can result in weaker bones that are more prone to stress and injury. Previous studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency in individuals over 50 leads to increased risk of fractures, however, this recent research shows that younger individuals are also very susceptible to fractures due to vitamin D deficiency. This is likely because vitamin D is necessary for the proper use of calcium and phosphorus in the bone. While rickets is generally very rare in the developed world, many people may not receive enough vitamin D for optimal health.
We all know that calcium and dairy products are needed for strong, healthy bones and teeth. However, recent research published in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine shows that vitamin D intake may actually be the more essential nutrient for strong bones. The team of researchers, who hailed from various medical establishments in Boston, MA, followed over 6700 girls between 9 and 15 years of age from 1996-2001. The research was conducted via questionnaire sent at 12-24 month intervals, asking about dietary intake of calcium, dairy and vitamin D along with stress fracture incidence. It was found that while dairy and calcium intake was unrelated to the incidence of stress fractures, there was an inverse relationship between vitamin D intake and the occurrence of stress fractures. Those with a higher vitamin D intake had a lower risk of stress fractures.
