Health
Vitamin D regimen for cystic fibrosis
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Aug. 1, 2005
Adults with cystic fibrosis could benefit from higher levels of vitamin D than are currently recommended, according to a study reported in the July 15 issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
A new vitamin D repletion regimen suggested by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Consensus Panel on Bone Health for replacing the vitamin in people with CF was called "strikingly ineffective," by researchers.
Of 66 adults with CF, only five who had been treated with the recommended 50,000 international units of vitamin D per week for eight weeks had their serum levels corrected to the recommended degree, the researchers said.
Improvements in treatment for people with CF have boosted life expectancy rates and led to increased attention to their other health needs, which include bone health, said Michael P. Boyle, MD, director of the Johns Hopkins University Adult CF Program. Survival rates have increased lifespan from 25 years old in 1985 to older than age 33 this year.
Despite this young age, approximately 20% to 25% of adults with CF have osteoporosis and another 40% have osteopenia, Dr. Boyle said. An adequate supply of vitamin D is needed for the body to absorb calcium from foods and incorporate it into bone.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2005/08/01/hlbf0801.htm.
