Ground Work: Bone Health Investigations vs. Randomized Control Trials

Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease characterized by loss of bone mineral and increased risk of fracture. While it is understood that nutrition and physical activity can impact the development and maintenance of bone tissue the approximate dosing of important foods and modes of activity are not yet well understood. This Summer Project involved working on a well-established randomized controlled trial (RCT) and beginning the set up for another. The effects of milk and yogurt supplementation on bone health and body composition in Canadian young adults RCT was set up over the summer and seeks to perform a nutritional intervention in young adults. The Fortify Bone Study is an RCT nearing completion and involves exercise interventions of differing intensities in older adults. By elucidating increased knowledge of bone health factors across lifespan more effective recommendations can be made by health professionals. The Summer Project focused on research rigor in bone health RCTs from set up to data collection stages.