High prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in postmenopausal women in a outpatient rheumatological clinic from Madrid area (Spain). Evaluation of two forms of vitamin D prescription

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency has been frequently observed in the elderl y population in Europe. However few information is available about the vita min D status in postmenopausal women in the Mediterranean countries. The ai m of this study was to evaluate the vitamin D status assessed by serum 25(O H)D-3 (calcidiol) in postmenopausal women who attended a Rheumatology pract ice in Madrid area, and to evaluate calcidiol serum levels through one year after two forms of vitamin D administration. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Calcidiol serum levels were measured in 171 postmenop ausal women (111 with osteoporosis and 60 without osteoporosis). 82 women w ith calcidiol serum levels < 10 ng/ml were distributed in two groups: Group I received 800 U/day of vitamin D, associated with calcium (1 g/day) and g roup II, one dose of 80.000 U vitamin D orally as calcidiol and latter a da ily dose of 800 U vitamin D-3 plus 1 g calcium. Calcidiol serum levels were measured by RIA in both groups at basal condition and after three, six and twelve months under treatment. RESULTS: Three cut-offs were considered: 10, 15 and 20 ng/ml of calcidiol. percentages of postmenopausal women with vitamin D deficiency for such cut- offs were: 35.3%, 64.1% and 87.1%, respectively. After three months of trea tment, women from group II showed calcidiol serum levels higher than group I. At six and twelve months calcidiol serum Levels were similar in both gro ups, CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was observed in a gr oup of postmenopausal women who attended a rheumatology practice in Madrid area. Both forms of vitamin D administration seem not sufficient to maintai n the adequate calcidiol serum levels in postmenopausal deficient women. A dose of 80.000 U of calcidiol twice a year should be considered.