Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation for Postmenopausal Bone Health

Osteoporosis is a chronic, debilitating metabolic bone disease characterized by diminished bone quality and strength and an increased susceptibility to fractures. In the past several decades therapeutic advances have helped to ease the burden of this increasingly prevalent disease. Throughout history, supplementation with calcium and vitamin D was the cornerstone of osteoporosis prevention and treatment. Previous literature and practice was generally positive about these supplements; however, recent research has been somewhat perplexing. Nurse practitioners face the challenges of interpreting the vast literature and providing evidence-based recommendations to their patients at risk of osteoporotic fractures.