You Need To Know: Calcium And Vitamin D Are Essential Nutrients

Recent studies have created confusion regarding the importance of vitamins, minerals and other nutritional supplements, but consumers need to understand a simple fact: Vitamins and other nutrients, including calcium and vitamin D, are necessary to our health and well-being.

(Thursday, February 16, 2006) - "Human beings require these essential nutrients to grow and thrive and to reduce the risk of chronic health problems," said Dr. Joseph C. Maroon, a world-renowned neurosurgeon and GNC Corporation's national medical consultant. "Vitamin D and calcium are essential in maintaining healthy bones and teeth. This fact is not disputable, and a large number of studies over many decades have shown vitamin D and calcium supplementation to be effective in building and maintaining healthy bones. I will continue to recommend these critical supplements to my patients because I continue to believe in their effectiveness."

Many notable studies have found benefits from calcium and vitamin D supplementation. A recent meta-analysis of double-blind, randomized, controlled trials, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, showed a 26% risk reduction in hip fractures in elderly people consuming vitamin D at doses above 700 IU. An earlier meta-analysis in the same publication found that vitamin D reduced the risk of falls in older individuals by more than 20%. An important three-year study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, of elderly men and women who supplemented with calcium and vitamin D showed reduced bone loss of the hip and spine as well as a reduced incidence of vertebral fractures.

Some important facts to consider regarding calcium and vitamin D:

Calcium and vitamin D are both recognized by the Institute of Medicine as essential nutrients that must be consumed by all people to maintain health. These nutrients have been classified as essential for decades.

Dietary intake surveys repeatedly demonstrate that most Americans are not consuming recommended intakes of calcium and vitamin D.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says, "an inadequate calcium intake contributes to low peak bone mass and has been identified as one of many risk factors in the development of osteoporosis."

The National Osteoporosis Foundation, which recommends calcium and vitamin D supplementation, has said it has no plans to revise its guidelines in light of recent studies.

Decades of research in animals and humans confirm the contribution of calcium and vitamin D in building and preserving bone mass across all age groups.

The positive public health impact of calcium supplementation is noteworthy. In a recent evaluation by the Lewin Group, it was found that supplementating with calcium and vitamin D could result in savings of $13 billion in healthcare costs from reduced fractures.

GNC offers several products that contain these vital nutrients, including Women's Ultra Mega Bone Density®. This new formula can help women meet their bodies' needs for calcium, vitamin D and many other important nutrients. Women's Ultra Mega Bone Density contains MBP, a revolutionary ingredient that helps the body use calcium more efficiently. MBP has been shown in clinical trials to increase bone mass.

GNC, based in Pittsburgh, PA, is the largest global specialty retailer of nutritional supplements, which includes vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements, sports nutrition products, diet and energy products and specialty supplements.

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