Osteoporosis

Abstract

Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease, and it particularly affects women past the menopause. For many years, it has been a perplexing disorder to investigators of bone physiology and mineral metabolism. The exact role of calcium malabsorption and of vitamin D and its metabolites in osteoporosis has been enigmatic. However, the study by Slovik and his colleagues¹ in this issue is indicative of gradually expanding knowledge and comprehension. Gallagher et al.² have suggested that impaired metabolism of vitamin D may be important in decreased calcium absorption. Slovik and his associates show an impaired responsiveness of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25-(OH)₂ . . .