Vitamin D – a key to healthy bones

• Is essential for:¹
  – Bone health
  – Muscle function
  – Immune function
• Main role is to enhance the absorption of calcium to maintain healthy bones¹
• The main source of vitamin D is from the action of sunlight on the skin¹
• It is found in some foods such as fatty fishes and eggs, but it is almost impossible to obtain sufficient vitamin D from the diet alone¹

1. NH&MRC Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand, Version 1.2, 2017.

Calcium – The building block of bones

• Calcium gives bone strength
  – Essential for the growth and maintenance of healthy bones¹
  
• Also essential for many bodily functions including muscle and cardiac function¹
  
• If calcium intake is inadequate, calcium is taken from bones for use in the rest of the body¹
  
• The main source of calcium is from eating diary products (e.g. milk, cheeses, yogurt)¹
  
• Most Australians have inadequate calcium in their diet²
  – 1 in 2 men
  – 3 in 4 women

1. NH&MRC Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand, Version 1.2, 2017.
2. ABS Australian health survey: Usual nutrient intakes: 2011-12.

Condition: Vitamin D deficiency

• Is when blood levels are low, below 50 nmol/L*¹
• Results in weak bones due to inadequate mineralisation or demineralisation¹
• This can cause:¹
  – Osteoporosis and bone fractures in adults
  – Rickets causing bowed legs and knocked knees in children
• Is very common in Australia, especially over winter¹

* Measure d as 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), measured at the end of winter/early spring.
1. NH&MRC Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand, Version 1.2, 2017.

Condition: Prevalence: Who is at greater risk?

• People with limited exposure to the sun:¹
  – Older people, especially those in aged care facilities
  – People with dark skin
  – People who wear modest dress (e.g. for religious reasons)
  – Office workers and shift workers
  – People with cancer or taking certain medicines such as immunosuppressants and anticonvulsants
  – Infants if the mother was vitamin D deficient during pregnancy

1. Ebeling PR, et al. Med J Aust 2013;199:S1.

Prevention & Treatment: THREE life-long preventative measures for healthy bones¹

1. Adequate vitamin D levels
2. Adequate calcium intake
3. Regular physical activity

• These are essential as poor bone health is a silent disease and often ignored until a fracture occurs

Product Information: OsteVit-D

• Focused range of vitamin D and vitamin D/calcium supplements to support healthy bones for Australians of all ages