Summary:

Skeletal health is determined by multiple factors, including physical activity, diet, and several non-modifiable risk factors. Calcium intake has historically been highlighted as an important contributor to bone health. However, there are significant differences in the global and national recommended daily minimal intake for calcium. This CME activity reviews the latest clinical evidence on the association between dairy products, calcium, and vitamin D intake, and bone health.

The estimated time a learner will need to complete this self-study is 30 minutes.

Planner/Presenter:

Elsa H. Spencer, Ph.D.
Nutrition Research Consultant, Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine

Hope Ferdowsian, M.D., M.P.H.
Director, Washington Center for Clinical Research
Voluntary Clinical Instructor, The George Washington University
Staff Physician, Unity Health Care

The Learning Process:

Participants are expected to read the module, reflect on its content, and complete the CME self-assessment and CME evaluation. Only upon completing this process will a participant's continuing education certificate be generated. The estimated time a learner will need to complete this self-study activity is 1 hour.

Objectives:

1. Describe the association between dairy, calcium, and vitamin D intake, and bone health.
2. List other dietary factors associated with bone integrity.
3. Describe the mechanism by which vitamin D is synthesized.

Disclosure Information:

The George Washington University Medical Center has implemented a process where everyone who is in a position to control the content of an education activity has disclosed all relevant financial relationships with any commercial interest. Potential conflicts of interest were resolved and documented by one or more of the following methods:

1. Altering the individual's financial relationships,
2. Altering the individual's control over content or
3. Conducting an independent validation of the individual's presentation content.

Individuals who refuse to or otherwise fail to disclose potential conflicts of interest to The George Washington University Medical Center are disqualified from participation in planning or implementing CME activities.

The planners/presenters of this module have no conflicts of interest to disclose.