Calcium and vitamin D intake by postmenopausal women with osteoporosis in France.

OBJECTIVE

To assess dietary calcium and vitamin D intake and their relationship with prescription medication and nutritional supplement use among postmenopausal women with osteoporosis in France.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Telephone interviews were conducted with 207 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis referred by a random sample of physicians from a French national list. Based on a French food frequency questionnaire, patients reported their daily food intake and frequency as well as their use of prescription medications and nutritional supplements.

RESULTS

Average daily dietary vitamin D intake was only 144.8 IU (SD 84.6, p < 0.01 compared to the recommended 800 IU), with 30% of the sample taking a vitamin D supplement. No participant had more than 500 IU vitamin D daily from food alone and 78% had less than 200 IU per day. A total of 51% of patients took no vitamin D supplements and had less than 5 hours of sun exposure in a week. Patients who were receiving osteoporosis medications and those who were not had comparable vitamin D intake. The average daily dietary calcium intake was 966.4 mg (SD 273.7, p < 0.01 compared to the 800 mg recommended). Calcium supplements were taken by 38% of participants and older patients tended to take more. Limitations of the study include convenience sampling and patient self-report.

CONCLUSIONS

Daily vitamin D intake among this sample of postmenopausal osteoporotic women in France was significantly lower than recommended dosages. At least 50% of these patients might benefit by adding vitamin D to their current therapy.