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Article: Do your patients have a vitamin D deficiency? Vitamin D facilitates calcium absorption, yet is often overlooked in managing osteoporosis. Here's how to diagnose and treat a deficiency.
- Article from:
- Clinical Advisor
- Article date:
- April 1, 2007
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2007 Haymarket Media, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Too often, less-than-optimal bone health in our patients becomes evident only after a fragility fracture occurs later in life. Early identification of those at risk for osteoporosis--including the identification of potential secondary causes, such as vitamin D deficiency--are critical in improving both prevention and treatment strategies.
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Pathophysiology
Human bone is constantly being remodeled. Old bone is resorbed, and new bone is formed through osteoclast and osteoblast activity. During childhood, new bone is formed more quickly than old bone is removed, allowing bones to grow larger and denser. This bone formation ...