On that subject, is the calcium fortified orange juice a good alternative for those who are bothered by the protien in milk? Jennifer Smith Kathrynne Holden, MS,RD wrote: > 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