Vitamin D and bone status in elderly women.

Elderly women are the fastest growing segment of the population. Because of their increased longevity, they are more likely to develop chronic bone diseases such as osteoporosis. The maintenance of a proper balance of calcium, vitamin D, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) is essential to sustain healthy bones throughout life. Women in northern climates may be particularly susceptible to the development of osteoporosis due to their lack of exposure to sunlight, which ultimately leads to vitamin D deficiencies. A correlational study of 53 women in northern New England revealed that vitamin D insufficiency and decreased bone density was common in these elderly women during the fall and early winter months despite vitamin D supplementation.