The authors of a study published in the journal Rheumatology International write, "Data suggest that vitamin D deficiency in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) may indirectly lead to osteoporosis by causing an increase in the inflammatory activity."

The abstract concludes that indeed, "Vitamin D deficiency in AS may indirectly lead to osteoporosis by causing an increase in the inflammatory activity." And that vitamin D levels should be monitored in patients with AS along with bone mineral density.

To read the the abstract / article summary click here.

Dr. Walter P. Maksymowych wrote in his article, "Expanding The Therapeutic Horizon In Ankylosing Spondylitis: Osteoporosis is a readily preventable complication of AS" for Spondylitis Plus that, "It is surprising how many patients with AS are vitamin D deficient -- about 20% in my practice. North Americans are not great milk drinkers, and if you are amongst them, then over-the-counter supplementation is important."

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