Vitamin D, calcium, and proteins are important nutrients contributing to reduce the negative bone balance and the risk of falling often observed in the elderly. A reduced capacity of calcium absorption in the intestines is harmful for older people, therefore a calcium intake according to the recommended supply is necessary. Considering the physiology of the skeletal mineral metabolism, a certain amount of calcium needs to be associated with vitamin D to experience a beneficial impact on bone integrity and to reduce the risk of hip or other fragility fracture in the elderly.
In the present British study carried out in institutionalized elderly women, the researchers tested the hypothesis that yogurts fortified with vitamin D and calcium induce greater inhibitory effects on bone resorption than the identical non-fortified yogurt.
Fortified yogurt provides a greater prevention
The 3 months randomized control trial compared the effects of both yogurts in women over 60, living in a community dwelling home. The authors concluded that the daily consumption of 2 fortified yogurts (125 g serving each) improves the vitamin D status, corrects secondary hyperparathyroidism and reduces accelerated bone resorption compared to non-fortified equivalent foods.
The increase in calcium intake probably contributed to the substantial reduction in PTH and bone resorption markers, because high calcium intake can exert a sparing effect on the vitamin D status.
Source: Bonjour J.-P. et al., 2015, J Nutr Health Aging, Vol 19, Ep 5
