Calcium and Vitamin D Nutrient Deficiencies Lead to Higher Risk for Osteoporosis

Pharmavite has announced a study published in PLoS ONE investigating inadequate nutrient consumption as it relates to the risk of osteoporosis, reports EurekAlert . Poverty plays a major role in poor intake of calcium and vitamin D, while age, gender, and dietary intake are additional key factors that contribute to osteoporosis prevalence. Pharmavite found that American women older than 50 consistently have inadequate calcium intake regardless of their economic status. Furthermore, inadequate intake of calcium and vitamin D impacts poverty-stricken men more than women in terms of osteoporosis risk. Meanwhile, non-Hispanic black men in a low income bracket are twice as likely to develop osteoporosis. "Improving the consumption of nutrient-rich and fortified foods among individuals that live in poverty can help to decrease their chances of developing osteoporosis," said Pharmavite Vice President of Science & Technology Susan Hazels Mitmesse. "Additionally, dietary supplements can play a critical role in helping any underserved population meet their nutrition needs — including making supplements readily available through programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, for example."