What causes Calcium and Vitamin D Deficiency/Osteoporosis?
Calcium and vitamin D deficiency means that you have a low level of calcium and vitamin D in your body. Calcium and Vitamin D deficiency can happen for a number of reasons:
Our bodies need an increased level of calcium and/or vitamin D at certain times
We’re not getting enough calcium and / or vitamin D from our food
Our bodies cannot make enough vitamin D due to lack of sunlight
What happens if I don’t get enough calcium and vitamin D?
A deficiency in calcium and vitamin D means you are at risk of developing bone conditions such as osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis causes pain and discomfort in the muscles and bones, which become brittle, weak and prone to fracture. It is important to ensure you are getting enough calcium and vitamin D for good bone health
Some interesting facts about Osteoporosis
- 33% of women aged 60-70 & 66% aged 80 or older have osteoporosis.1,2
- 1 in 3 women, and 1 in 5 men will experience a fracture after the age of 50.1,2
- Calcium and vitamin D play an essential role in reducing hip fractures
- Patients who continue to take their calcium and vitamin D medication can reduce their risk of hip fracture by 29%1,2
References
- https://www.irishosteoporosis.ie/information-support/nutrition-bone-health/. The Irish Osteoporosis Society, Nutrition and Bone Health, Accessed July 2025.
- https://theros.org.uk/information-and-support/bone-health/nutrition-for-bones/calcium/, The Royal Osteoporosis Society, Information and support – Nutrition of bones – Calcium. Accessed July 2025.
IE-CAD-76(2) DOP: October 2025