Vitamin D Could Improve Bone Health in Those Taking Anti-HIV Drug

Tenofovir is widely used to treat HIV infection. However, the drug causes symptoms that resemble those of vitamin D deficiency, causing bones to lose calcium and reducing bone density.

According to the results of a National Institutes of Health network study of adolescents with HIV, vitamin D may help prevent hormonal changes that can lead to bone loss among those being treated for HIV with the drug tenofovir.

Tenofovir is widely used to treat HIV infection. However, the drug causes symptoms that resemble those of vitamin D deficiency, causing bones to lose calcium and reducing bone density. The study found that large monthly doses of vitamin D reduced blood levels of a hormone that stimulates calcium release from bones.

Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium to build bones. When the body is deficient in vitamin D, levels of a hormone cal