FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (NewsReleaseWire) February 1, 2010 -- Increases in the incidence of vitamin D deficiency in the U.S. are likely to be a major contributing factor in the escalating number of cases of osteoporosis, says noted nutrition researcher Diana Hunter.

While a number of causes, including low estrogen levels in women, low testosterone levels in men, thyroid problems, smoking, lack of exercise, and low calcium levels are attributed to the development of the disease, a lack of vitamin D may in fact play an even larger role than previously thought due to the nutrient's hormonal activity in the body.

"Numerous studies have shown a relationship between vitamin D and estrogen," states Hunter. "Its effect on various other hormones in the body, however, is somewhat less clear. Since this nutrient is actually a hormone that interacts not only with nutrients, but also with other hormones, it's likely to have a greater overall impact on bone mass than we currently realize."

According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF), 10 million individuals in the U.S. today are estimated to already have osteoporosis and almost 34 million more are estimated to have low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for developing the disease. NOF also notes that there has been a five-fold increase in medical office visits for osteoporosis (from 1.3 to 6.3 million) over the past 10 years.

Vitamin D plays an essential role in both bone development and maintenance. It can be obtained from eggs, milk, cheese, salmon, and other foods, as well as from supplements. It also forms in the body when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet light such as sunlight, though the amount obtained in this way can vary significantly. A deficiency is known to affect calcium absorption, which in turn can lead to bone deformity problems and osteoporosis.

In addition to vitamin D and calcium, other nutrients essential to good bone health include phosphorus, potassium, copper, magnesium, manganese, fluoride, zinc, and vitamins A, C and K.

"It's a synergy," says Hunter. "Each of the components work together. When even one of them is missing, bone development and maintenance can be impaired. The fact that vitamin D acts as a hormone simply adds to the importance of maintaining a sufficient level in the body."

Hunter stresses that while meeting nutritional needs for bone development is essential during the formative years, it is no less important at any other life stage.

"While our nutrient needs change, they always exist," notes Hunter. "Preventing osteoporosis is a lifelong goal."

Diana Hunter is a nutrition researcher and award-winning author. She is currently on national tour with her latest title, FoodSmart: Understanding Nutrition in the 21st Century.

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