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Dear Ann, That's a very good question. In fact, there are large, controlled studies that indicate people with PD have lower serum levels of vitamin D, greater degree of bone thinning, and greater incidence of bone fractures than age-matched control groups. Another study finds that people with PD have more difficulty with rehabilitation following a hip fracture than those who don't have PD. This is true for men as well as for women, especially with advancing age. In the study I conducted of 24 people with PD, I found only one person who appeared to meet the RDAs for calcium and vitamin D. Few were getting much weight-bearing exercise, which strengthens bones. And many got little exposure to sunlight, a source of vitamin D. If these preliminary findings are indicative of the larger population of people with PD, it could suggest part of the reason for the higher rate of bone thinning (osteoporosis) in people with PD. Many of my clients have changed the type and/or amount of food they eat, often to their detriment. Some have found that milk, an excellent source of both calcium and vit. D, interferes with Sinemet absorption. Some don't want to take vitamin supplements, as they're already taking so many pills daily. Some have been advised to avoid sunlight due to risk for skin cancer. Many cannot perform much weight-bearing exercise due to fatigue, dizziness, difficulty walking, or other conditions. I encourage people with PD of all ages to discuss with their registered dietitian or physician the need for adequate calcium and vitamin D, and to consider use of appropriate fortified foods and/or supplements. I also encourage as much weight-bearing and strengthening exercise as possible. And I suggest asking your physician to prescribe a Dexascan, to determine whether any bone thinning exists. My very best regards, Kathrynne MR JOSEPH GIBBONS wrote: > > Kathrynne Holden referred to osteoporosis in a reply letter to > Jennifer today. Is osteoporosis caused, accelerated or exacerbated by > PD? Would this apply to men also, or women of any age? I am curious. > Thanks for your reply, Kathrynne. > > Ann Gibbons cg/Joe 64/22 months > [log in to unmask] -- Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD "Nutrition you can live with!" Medical nutrition therapy http://www.nutritionucanlivewith.com/ Tel: 970-493-6532 // Fax: 970-493-6538 "If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?" -Albert Einstein