Chair: A Mithal

Members: JP Bonjour, S Boonen, P Burckhardt, B Dawson-Hughes, G El Hajj Fuleihan, R Josse, B Larijani, P Lips, J Morales-Torres, N Yoshimura

To understand the global relationship between nutrients, bone health and muscle strength.

• Review and assess the role of vitamin D, protein, acid base and other nutrients on muscle performance and strength in patients older than 50 years of age. Indeed, alteration of the musculoskeletal system is linked to reduced physical performance, disability, increased risk of fall-related fractures and frailty.
• The working group envisages conducting a survey on the attitudes and knowledge on nutrition regarding osteoporosis among primary care physicians. This project, under development, would highlight global differences in practice and understanding of nutrition for the prevention of osteoporosis around the world, and identify the challenges still remaining in the education and training of these doctors.

1. Dawson-Hughes, B., et al., IOF position statement: vitamin D recommendations for older adults. Osteoporos Int, 2010. 21(7): p. 1151-4.
2. Mithal, A., et al., Global vitamin D status and determinants of hypovitaminosis D. Osteoporos Int, 2009. 20(11): p. 1807-20.