DSM Marks World Osteoporosis Day As Official Nutrition Supporter

21 Oct 2015 --- DSM is celebrating World Osteoporosis Day today 20 October 2015, by highlighting the importance of vitamin D in improving bone mineral density through calcium absorption and deposition. Marking the start of a year-long campaign, DSM is an official nutrition supporter as part of its longstanding partnership with the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF). This has included support of IOF’s research on vitamin D status in both the developing and industrialized world, which concluded that more than one third of the entire global population is showing insufficient levels of vitamin D.

Often referred to as ‘the silent thief’, osteoporosis is a critical condition that affects bone density and strength in the elderly, especially in women following the menopause. Osteoporosis causes more than 8.9 million fractures annually. Nearly 75% of hip, spine and distal forearm fractures occur among patients 65 years old or over and osteoporosis can significantly affect the quality of life of older adults and shorten their life span.

It is widely accepted that adequate calcium intake is essential for strong bones, and vitamin D3 is needed for it to be absorbed by the body and incorporated into bone. It facilitates calcium absorption and protein synthesis which subsequently strengthens the bones and muscles, thus lowering the risk of fracture. Vitamin D3, or cholecalciferol, is the form of vitamin D that is most beneficial for human health and it can be synthesized in the skin by the action of ultraviolet light. However, factors such as a lack of exposure to sunlight, and darker skin pigmentation reduce the production of vitamin D in the skin. Healthcare professionals frequently recommend vitamin D supplements or enriched foods for those who do not receive enough through diet or as a result of sun exposure.

“The partnership with the IOF to mark World Osteoporosis Day is part of our ongoing efforts to raise awareness of the importance of starting to take preventative measures against osteoporosis and to maintain strong bone health from an early life stage,” comments Dr. Manfred Eggersdorfer, Senior Vice President, Nutrition, Science & Advocacy at DSM and Professor for Healthy Ageing at Groningen University. “Vitamin D has traditionally been closely linked to bone health, yet 88% of the global population currently have low vitamin D intake due to poor nutrition and sun exposure4. DSM is actively involved in supporting scientific research and ongoing consumer education, to increase our understanding of the many health benefits provided by vitamin D.”

As part of its ongoing efforts to educate global audiences on the latest vitamin D science, DSM recently hosted a webinar in partnership with acclaimed scientist in biochemistry and molecular biology, Dr. Bruce Ames. The webinar presented the latest findings on vitamin D and the emerging benefits across different life stages and conditions. Dr. Ames is renowned for his ground-breaking triage theory, which demonstrates that when scarce, the body uses micronutrients to compensate the episodic shortages at the expense of long-term survival. This leads to potential DNA damage and negative effects on human health. Visit https://www.brighttalk.com/webcast/12499/169657 to watch the webinar on-demand.

Vitamins play an essential role for health, wellness and disease prevention throughout the lifecycle. They are key to solving our global nutritional challenges. DSM, a global leader in health and nutrition science, is leading an initiative - Vitamins in Motion - to highlight the important role of vitamins. The campaign advocates for increased access, through innovative solutions, to the essential vitamins all people need to be healthy and well-nourished. To learn more, visit www.vitaminsinmotion.com.