The Interaction Between Calcium and Vitamin D Intake

We will study the relative importance of high calcium intake and vitamin D supplementation for calcium homeostasis, as determined by serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) and biochemical bone markers. We also intend to examine the interaction of vitamin D and calcium intake on calcium homeostasis. We hypothesize that optimal calcium supplementation and optimal vitamin D supplementation will lead to lower serum levels of PTH and markers of bone resorption compared with the placebo. We also theorize that when taken together, optimal calcium supplementation and optimal vitamin D intake will result in lower serum levels of PTH and bone markers compared with calcium or vitamin D taken alone.