
Our research projects include evaluating ways to improve osteoporosis diagnosis, fracture risk assessment and identify sarcopenia (age-related loss of muscle mass and function). Many of our studies investigate the role of nutrition, medication or exercise on bone and muscle health and physical function.
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Learn more about clinical research and your potential role in it using the tabs below
A goal of the Research Program is to help improve how osteoporosis is diagnosed, how sarcopenia is identified and how an individual’s fracture risk is best determined. We have conducted several studies on osteoporosis diagnosis and have identified conditions that may interfere with measurement accuracy. As sarcopenia and impaired muscle function contribute to the risk of falls and therefore fractures, but are not yet routinely evaluated clinically, we are working to determine how to integrate these concepts into clinical care. Additionally, we collaborate with manufacturers to evaluate new instruments and techniques to evaluate bone, muscle and physical function.
Calcium and vitamin D are needed to keep bone healthy. Calcium is a mineral that gives bones their strength and hardness. Without calcium bones would be soft and break easily. It is common for people to have too little calcium in their diet. In fact, many women get less than one half of the daily amount of calcium they need. The daily recommended intake for calcium at specific ages are given below (recommended by Institute of Medicine, 2011):
Recommended Calcium Intakes
Age | Amount of calcium | |
Infants | ||
Birth – 6 months (M + F) | 200 mg | |
6 months – 1 year (M + F) | 260 mg | |
Children/Young Adults | ||
1-3 years (M + F) | 700 mg | |
4-8 years (M + F) | 1000 mg | |
9-13 years (M + F) | 1300 mg | |
14-18 years (M + F) | 1300 mg | |
Adult women & men | ||
19-50 years (M + F) | 1000 mg | |
51 – 70 (M) | 1000 | |
51-70 (F) | 1200 | |
71+ (M + F) | 1200 mg | |
Pregnant & lactating women | ||
14-18 years | 1300 mg | |
19-50 years | 1000 mg |
If the amount you eat does not equal the amount needed, you can either make changes in your diet or add a calcium supplement. The type of supplement you take and how you take it is important. Calcium carbonate and calcium citrate are good choices. Chewable supplements may be better absorbed. Some calcium supplements come as a powdered form which can be used in baked products or sprinkled into beverages or soups.
Other points to remember:
- Take calcium supplements with food as this improves absorption.
- Do not take more than 600 mg of calcium at one time; if you need more than this, divide the dose to improve absorption.
- Some people find that calcium causes constipation. In this case, slowly increase the amount of calcium you are taking over ~ two weeks. At the same time, increase fluid intake and the amount of dietary fiber.
- You may wish to use either calcium phosphate or calcium citrate if you notice increased gas.
- If you or someone in your family have ever formed kidney stones, talk to your health care provider before starting extra calcium.
- It is important to carefully read the label of supplements to determine the exact amount of calcium you are receiving per tablet.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is also important in bone health and many people, particularly those living at northern latitudes are insufficient. In order for calcium to be absorbed optimally by the body, vitamin D must be present. You should receive 600-800 IU of vitamin D each day. Doctors may recommend higher doses when blood vitamin D levels have been measured and are being monitored. Options for getting vitamin D include:
- Three to four glasses of fortified milk per day.
- Frequent servings of fish such as cod, tuna, salmon, herring, halibut, mackerel, shrimp, and oysters.
- Frequent servings of margarine or fortified cereals.
As sun exposure and dietary intake are often inadequate, many people need to take vitamin D as a supplement or in a multiple vitamin. When supplementation is needed, vitamin D3 rather than vitamin D2 is recommended as some vitamin D laboratory tests may not accurately measure vitamin D2.
The UW Osteoporosis Research Program conducts clinical studies that examine new and existing osteoporosis medications. These studies provide additional information about, or improve upon, currently available medications as well as evaluate the ability of investigational medications to improve bone health. Additionally, as the field moves forward, medications targeting muscle (sarcopenia) are being evaluated to reduce falls and consequently fractures. We are involved in early medication trials to maintain and improve physical function.
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What is a clinical research study?
A clinical trial is a research study conducted to determine whether new treatments, or variants of current treatments, are both safe and effective. Most studies compare one drug to another or to a placebo to evaluate which works better.
Who sponsors/monitors clinical trials?
Our clinical trials are sponsored and monitored by government agencies such as the Federal Food and Drug Administration or the National Institutes of Health and pharmaceutical companies. Our sponsors provide us with a study protocol, or guidelines, that we follow in order to ensure safe and accurate results.
What are the different types of studies?
There are four phases of medication testing: Phase I studies evaluate a drug’s safety. These often utilize young healthy people and are conducted in a hospital or similar facility. Phase II studies evaluate the medication to determine if it is likely to be effective. Phase III studies evaluate risk versus benefit of a drug. Phase IV studies evaluate other parameters such as long-term effectiveness, whether it is better than other available drugs and cost-effectiveness. Information about the phase of testing will help you know how much information is available about the drug. Most studies conducted by the UW Osteoporosis Clinical Research Program are phase III or IV.
What is my role in the research?
All trials involve working with a research team of physicians and research coordinators. We ask that you are willing and able to follow study instructions such as taking medication as directed and keeping scheduled appointments. The information generated, such as the data we obtain from bone density and blood tests, serves as a guide to the FDA’s decision about whether a drug should be approved, how the doses should be given, etc.
How much time is required of me?
Studies vary in length from one visit to several months to even years. There is a wide range of time commitments that vary with each individual study; our coordinators are willing to work around a volunteer’s schedule whenever possible.
What are the benefits of participating in a study?
By participating in a study you will be able to learn about your bone health. Your involvement in our research may help lead to better medications for you and others. You will have the opportunity to see specialists in osteoporosis and other bone diseases. The examinations, evaluations and study medications are provided to you at no charge. You may receive financial compensation for your time and effort. The amount of compensation varies with each study. Participating in a study is an opportunity for you to make a difference in the lifetime management and care of a disease that you and many others live with.
What are the potential risks associated with clinical trials?
The further a drug is in the testing process the more we know about it and its possible risks. Potential side effects differ between study medications. Before you are allowed to participate in a study, you will be advised of known possible side effects. In fact, some people who participate in our studies feel better informed of the side effects involved with prescription medication than the average person does.
What is informed consent?
Informed consent is the process of learning the key facts about a clinical trial before you decide to participate. If you are considering joining a clinical trial the research staff will give you an informed consent document that includes details about the study. They will discuss the study with you and answer any questions that you may have. It is important that you understand the study before enrolling. No study procedures will ever occur prior to informed consent being obtained.
Can I leave a trial after it has begun?
Yes. Participating in a research study is entirely voluntary and you may withdraw at any time for any reason.
What is a protocol?
All clinical trials are based on a set of guidelines called a protocol. A protocol describes the qualifications participants must meet to take part in the study; such as, the schedule of tests, procedures, medications, and dosages and the length of the study.
What is a placebo?
A placebo is an inactive substance that has no medicinal value. It is designed to look and feel exactly like the drug to which it is being compared. It can be a pill, a solution, or take any other form. In clinical trials, new treatments are often compared with placebos to assess the treatment’s effectiveness. In some studies the participants in the control group will receive a placebo instead of an active drug or treatment.
What is a control group?
A control group is the standard by which experimental observations are evaluated. Often in clinical trials one group of patients will be given an investigational drug or treatment, while the control group is given either a standard treatment for the illness or a placebo. The effect of the investigational treatment is then compared with the control group to determine the treatment’s overall effectiveness.
What is a blinded study?
A blinded study is one in which participants do not know whether they are in the experimental or control group. Those in the experimental group receive the medications being tested, while those in the control group receive a standard treatment or no treatment. If both the staff and the participants do not know which participants are receiving the experimental treatment and which participants belong to the control group then the study is called a double-blind study.