The UK’s first once-daily preparation has been launched combining the updated recommended daily dose of vitamin D3 with a low-dose calcium component.
Kalcipos-D aims to tackle the growing problem of vitamin D deficiency (hypovitaminosis D3) in older people. One tablet per day supplies the recommended 800 IU daily dose of vitamin D3 and 50% of daily calcium requirements for people over 50. It costs £4.21 for 30 tablets and is available on prescription.
Low levels of vitamin D3 are widespread in the UK and often undetected but it is essential for the processing of calcium and bone health. Insufficiency may lead to increased risk of fractures in the elderly, including those already vulnerable through osteoporosis.
Kalcipos-D has been specially formulated to contain a low dose of calcium because high calcium content can increase the risk of gastrointestinal effects. Extra calcium is also more readily obtained from dietary sources than vitamin D3.
Hypovitaminosis D3 (<75nmol/L) was found in 87% of people aged 45 in a UK cohort study. Calls have been made for routine screening.
Post-menopausal women are a very high risk group, particularly those with osteoporosis and a history of fracture. Vitamin D3 synthesis is also reduced in obese people, housebound patients and nursing home residents, and those with darker skin pigmentation - 82% of UK Asian adults have insufficient vitamin D3.
Vitamin D3 is vital to maintaining a healthy immune system. It is a common deficiency among the elderly - due to the capacity to generate vitamin D in response to sunlight falling with age - a low intake of vitamin D-rich foods, and the fact that many elderly people spend most of their time indoors.
The International Osteoporosis Foundation recommends that the average person aged over 60 needs at least 800 IU vitamin D3 per day to reduce fracture risk. Making up the requirement by diet alone is difficult, as the range of foods containing vitamin D is limited - equivalent to 6oz of oily fish or 32 egg yolks.
Healthcare professionals can find out more at: www.kalcipos-d.co.uk
Tags: Vitamin D
