please can anyone give me the latest information on vitamin D are there any web sites ?i really want to know as my bones are getting weak.

[xmas]

[earthwitch]

Check out strontium - its looking like its far better and far safer than any of the old standard osteoporosis drugs (the biphosphonates). Vitamin D could help, but probably not on its own, and really if your bones are starting to show osteoporosis (have you actually had a DEXA scan?) then you need proper treatment to stop progression. Strontium citrate is far better than the strontium ranelate that is prescribed in the NHS, but much harder to get hold of here.

Also you can do a lot of self help - weightbearing and resistance exercise is incredibly important to maintain strong bones, and also the flexibility you need to avoid breaking bones. Its been shown in research that even folk who have very weak bones have far better chances of avoiding fractures if they keep up flexibility. Ask for a physio referral to show you how to do exercises that will help both RA and your bones. And if you haven't had a DEXA scan, ask your GP or rheumatologist if you are eligible for one.

[Victoria-NRAS Partner Moderator NRAS]

Hi Xmas

If you've been told you have osteoporosis then you might find our article on osteoporosis in RA useful:

nras.org.uk/about_rheumatoi...

There is also an organisation that specifically deals with osteoporosis and are likely to have up to date information for you on vitamin D:

nos.org.uk/

Kind regards

Victoria

(NRAS Helpline)

[Tillytop]

Hello Xmas

My understanding is that too much vitamin D can actually be harmful so you need to be sure you need supplementation and only to take it on medical advice. You don't say what makes you say your bones are getting weak? If you are concerned about osteoporosis, your doctor should be able to advise you and maybe to refer you for a bone density scan and/or an osteoporosis specialist. I have osteoporosis and have periodic blood tests to make sure my vit D levels are within the right range. If your concern is that your bones "feel" weak - could that be down to RA itself and possible joint erosions? If that is the case then vit D may well not be the answer and the rheumatologist would be the person to talk to about this.

I hope you can get some medical advice on this soon.

Tillyx