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.