A recent study performed at Cornell University revealed that post-menopausal women who are being treated for osteoporosis have a five-fold greater response to treatment with biphosphonate drugs (such as Fosamax, Actonel, Boniva, etc) if their blood Vitamin D levels are greater than 33 ng/ml.

COMMENT: Vitamin D deficiency is widespread and can be linked to many medical conditions, so it is important to maintain normal levels. However, 33 ng/ml is higher than that recommended by the National Institutes of Health (30 ng/ml). Many authorities recommend levels above 50 ng/ml. This study shows that you must have good Vitamin D levels for the best effect from biphosphonates. No studies have been done regarding vitamin D levels and strontium for osteoporosis (which I recommend over biphosphonates), but it is probably just as important.