To the editor: Large randomised trials have confirmed that treatment with cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) and calcium reduces hip and non-vertebral fractures.1,2 In public health terms, calciferol compounds are cost-effective,3 simple to monitor and generally free of side effects. Ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) is the only single prohormonal form of vitamin D available in Australia.4 As compliance rates for this medication have not, to our knowledge, been evaluated, we decided to conduct our own study of compliance.
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- 1. Chapuy MC, Arlot ME, Duboeuf F, et al. Vitamin D3 and calcium to prevent hip fractures in the elderly women. N Engl J Med 1992; 327: 1637-1642.
- 2. Dawson-Hughes B, Harris SS, Krall EA, Dallal GE. Effect of calcium and vitamin D supplementation on bone density in men and women 65 years of age or older. N Engl J Med 1997; 337: 670-676.
- 3. Torgerson DJ, Kanis JA. Cost-effectiveness of preventing hip fractures in the elderly population using vitamin D and calcium. QJM 1995; 88: 135-139.
- 4. Glendenning P. Vitamin D deficiency and multicultural Australia [letter]. Med J Aust 2002; 176: 242-243. <eMJA full text>
- 5. Compston JE. Vitamin D deficiency: time for action. Evidence supports routine supplementation for elderly people and others at risk. BMJ 1998; 317: 1466-1467.
The authors wish to acknowledge the help of Dr Peter Goldswain, Department of Geriatrics, Royal Perth Hospital, for assistance with patient access.
None declared.