Current Projects

To determine the impact of body mass index and calcium intake on the 25(OH)D response to supplemental vitamin D.
To assess the long-term effect of vitamin D plus calcium on physical function and on the risk of falling in older men and women.
To study the association between endogenous gonadal hormone levels and physical function and risk of falling in elderly men and women.
To determine the association between the ratio of nitrogen to potassium in the urine, an index of the acidogenicity of the diet, and 3-year rates of change in bone and muscle mass in healthy older men and women.
To determine whether the level of calcium intake influences any association between the ratio of nitrogen to potassium in the urine and rates of bone loss in older men and women.
To determine and compare the effects of selected aromatic and branched-chain amino acids and other calcimimetic agents on gastric acid production and on urinary calcium excretion in healthy older men and women.
To conduct a randomized, controlled intervention trial to determine whether alkalinization of the diet will lower the bone turnover rate, and thus lower risk of fracture, in healthy men and women who are being supplemented with calcium and vitamin D.
To determine whether alkalinization of the diet with potassium-rich foods (fruits and vegetables) will enhance the effect of protein on bone and muscle.

Learn More

For more information about the Bone Metabolism Laboratory, please visit the USDA, Agricultural Research Service.

Lack of Sun Does Not Explain Low Vitamin D in Elderly Who Are Overweight

Vitamins, Diet Important To Strong Bones

Volunteer for a current research study:
Vitamin D and Muscle Strength Study
Purpose: To determine the effect of vitamin D, which may improve muscle function and decrease the risk of falling.

Vitamin D and Blood Sugar Control
Purpose: To examine whether adding a vitamin D supplement will improve blood measures related to diabetes risk.