Lower your risk of stress fracture by making sure you get enough Vitamin D

Stress fractures are among the most common conditions I see and treat in my practice.  The condition can often be related to improper training or overuse.  Nutritional deficiencies, however, can cause weakened bones and contribute to stress fractures, even in younger patients.

Calcium and Vitamin D are necessary for strong bones.  We all have heard about how important calcium is, but attention is now focusing on the important role of Vitamin D.  Your skin uses sunlight to help your body body produce an active form of Vitamin D.  Living in northern climates with fewer hours and annual days of sunshine, Vitamin D deficiency is very common.

A recent study suggests that increased Vitamin D intake, in the form of diet or supplementation, may help lower the risk of stress fracture in some patients.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_122605.html