Exercise and vitamin D reduces prevalence of osteoporosis

A combination of high intensity physical activity and high levels of vitamin D in the blood are associated with lower prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia, says research in Osteoporosis International.

A team set out to explore the association of physical activity blood levels of vitamin D in 6,868 people. Each person’s level of physical activity was classified as ‘low’ or ‘high’. Their bone mineral density was investigated and classified as normal, osteopenia or osteoporosis.

The main finding was that the people who took a lot of physical activity and had high levels of vitamin D in the blood were less likely to have osteoporosis and osteopenia. But prevalence of osteoporosis was lower in men in the low physical activity group with high vitamin D levels than in men in the moderate or high physical activity group with low vitamin D levels. The same was not true for women.

“After a diagnosis of osteoporosis or if you have risk factors, you should do more exercise, rather than less,” recommends the Royal Osteoporosis Society. “Being physically active and exercising helps you in so many ways, and is very unlikely to cause a broken bone. If you have spinal fractures or lots of other broken bones, you may need to modify some exercises to be on the safe side. We can help you find the adaptations that work for you, so you can continue the lifestyle you enjoy as far as possible.”

For more information visit www.theros.org.uk or tel 0808 800 0035.

Click here to read the original research.

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