Dr. Michael F. Holick, Ph.D., M.D.
Dr. Michael F. Holick

Arthritis and Vitamin D

Posted by admin on November 27, 2008 under Arthritis, Vitamin D | 4 Comments to Read

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis

Recent studies have revealed that women who ingest more than 400 IU of vitamin D a day reduce their risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis by as much as 42%.

Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis.  

Merlino LA, Curtis J, Mikuls TR, Cerhan JR, Criswell LA, and Saag KG.  Vitamin D intake is inversely associated with rheumatoid arthritis.  Arthritis & Rheumatism  2004; 50(1):72-77.

  • caren oster said,

    After attending your web seminar, I had my MD check my Bit. D level, and it was 19 ng/do! I am a diatitian and I drink more than 3 glasses of milk a day I do however, live in MN! Thank you for having your web seminar. I have make this topic my new passion for my patients. Keep up the great work!

  • Sandra Mansfield said,

    My husband has Rheumatoid Arthritis and is taking Orencia injections. Do these injections destroy Vitamin D? and how much Vitamin D should he be taking. He is currently at 4,500 IU a day.

  • admin said,

    Dear Sandra,
    I don’t believe that the medication he is taking have any influence on vitamin D. 4500 IU a day is very reasonable. To be certain he is vitamin D sufficient he can ask his doctor to obtain a 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Is your husband on prednisone which will destroy vitamin D?

  • admin said,

    Dear Sandra, The medication that your husband is on for arthritis will not destroy vitamin D. His current intake of 4500 IU of vitamin D a day should be adequate. Best way to know is to have your doctor order a 25-hydroxyvitamin D. The preferred healthy range is 40-60 ng/ml.

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