Abstract
This paper presents a nursing research study on the effects of calcium and vitamin D supplementation on female, high school cross country runners. The paper begins with a scientific rationale for the study regarding the risk of stress fractures in runners. It then goes on to describe the method and procedure for the study, as well as the benefits and risks associated with participation in the study.

Table of Contents:
Overview of Study Scientific Rationale and Purpose
Who Is Eligible To Be In The Study; What Type Of Patients Will Be Involved?
Where And When The Study Will Be Conducted And The Length Of Commitment
What Tests Or Procedures Will The Study Involve? Do They Have Risks? Will They Cause Pain Or Discomfort (Physical Or Mental)?
Anticipated Benefits And Risks Of Taking Part In The Study
Who Will Have Access To The Study Information, And What Is The Plan For Protecting The Information?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

From the Paper
"Stress fractures are small cracks in the shaft of a bone caused by overuse or excessive physical stress. "About sixty-nine percent of stress fractures occur in runners," the rest in recent military recruits ("Stress Fractures," 2006, Mass General Hospital for Children). 21 per cent of female recruits are reported to suffer from this form of injury. ("Calcium, vitamin D may reduce stress fracture risk," 2007, NutraIngredients). "Predisposing factors include running after a period of inactivity, change in the running surface, poor training and inadequate shoes," as well as weakened bones because of inadequate diet or poor bone density ("Stress Fractures," 2006, Mass General Hospital for Children). Frequent dieters may also be at higher risk for stress fractures caused by osteoporosis, regardless of their weight, as the body compensates for the decreased caloric intake by reducing its bone-building functions (DeNoon, 2006)."

Tags:estrogen, overuse, osteoporosis

Abstract
This paper discusses how research has shown that there is a direct correlation between bone condition in an individual's juvenile and mature years and subsequent susceptibility to osteoporosis-related fractures. In particular, the paper looks at how the interventions that are being investigated to reduce osteoporosis-related health risks and to improve general bone health is diet and supplements of vitamin D and calcium.

Outline:
Health, Vitamin D and Calcium
Interventions
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The focus on osteoporosis prevention in turn has improved market performance of foods. Klotter (2005) points out that among all nutrients, calcium is among the most advocated by retails products. These include not only dairy-related products but vegetables, fruits and exercise activities as well. Whereas there has been some counter-marketing against dairy products because of their fat content and fears of contamination from diseases in the 1990's, they have gained better regard in consideration of their value in preventing osteoporosis (Heaney et al, 2000). The opinion is one that Klotter (2005) also recognizes in the course of her study of the impact of initiatives against osteoporosis in health as well as industrial markets today."

Tags:nutrients, fractures, bones

Abstract
This paper presents a research proposal to establish a causal relation between hypovitaminosis D and insulin resistance, diabetes, and systemic inflammation. The paper seeks to augment the research data (and substantial anecdotal evidence) currently available implicating hypovitaminosis D in these conditions. Additionally, the paper seeks to devise a research method for distinguishing the respective beneficial roles of vitamin D and calcium in light of current evidence suggesting that dual supplementation is associated with greater preventative effects than supplementation of one or the other alone.

From the Paper
"Prior to the widespread vitamin and mineral supplementation of modern food supplies, rickets and the skeletal weakness for which that disease is responsible was a formidable medical condition. Once rickets was substantially eradicated by vitamin supplementation in modern food processing, many medical authorities considered that solution to have eliminated all of the consequences of vitamin D deficiency. More recently, medical researchers have identified so many other significant medical consequences attributable to hypovitaminosis D that contemporary clinicians now regard rickets as only the tip of the proverbial iceberg of vitamin D-related ailments"

Tags:diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, rickets glucose, congestive heart failure, immune

Abstract
Osteoporosis has been estimated to afflict from five to twenty million people in the United States alone. It is the principal cause of skeletal fractures in the elderly. The paper shows that while consuming enough calcium is important, bone health is more than just a matter of getting enough calcium in your diet. The paper examines what medical science knows about calcium and bone, and what it does not know about the disease, and overall bone health. The paper addresses five areas: calcium and bone, calcium nutrition, illnesses caused by insufficient calcium, suggested calcium intakes and, lastly, osteoporosis and calcium.

From the Paper
"Osteoporosis is a silent disease and there might not be symptoms until a bone breaks and the condition is recognized after the incident on x-rays. The first sign may be hip or low back pain, or painful swelling of a wrist after a fall. Persons who fall into the risk factor groups should do all they can to avoid these symptoms by eating well and exercising. It is best to prevent the disease by building sturdy bones in childhood, but there are other steps you can take. Your peak bone mass is reached during your twenties and thirties so get regular weight bearing exercise, such as walking. In addition, get plenty of calcium in your diet and if need be use supplements. The average American diet contains about five hundred milligrams a day, but one thousand milligrams a day is recommended and needed. Do not smoke, and drink alcohol only in moderation. If you are at risk of developing osteoporosis and are nearing menopause, talk with your doctor about estrogen or other hormone replacement therapies."

Tags:Vitamin, D, bone, phosphate

Abstract
This paper presents a brief overview of the benefits of dietary supplementation, with a specific focus on calcium supplements. The writer takes a positive view of supplements, provided the supplementation takes into consideration the individual's biology and lifestyle needs. The author also recommends that the supplements are dispensed with clear labeling and in conjunction with a health professional.

From the Paper
"Perhaps one of the reasons there is such confusion about the issue of supplementation is the broad, sweeping claims made by popular manufactures of supplements, which promise generic cure-alls rather than sound advice. Not every woman may need iron supplements, if she eats fortified grain cereals and eats red meat. The personal and inexact science of creating an ideal diet, tailored to the individual, must be communicated on supplement labels by law. The current nutritional labels that give guidelines for generic 2,000-calorie diets for daily requirements, regardless of age, background, lifestyle, and quite often gender, are often misleading."

Tags:dietary, supplements, calcium, vitamins

Abstract
This paper explains that rickets is a disease that is caused primarily by a deficiency of vitamin D. It is characterized by malformation of the bones and teeth and tends to occur in malnourished infants who are not exposed to adequate ultraviolet rays of the sun. The writer explains that prevention and treatment include vitamin D and calcium supplementation and adequate exposure to sunlight.
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Symptoms
3.0 Causes
4.0 Risk Factors
5.0 Prevention and Management
6.0 Treatment
7.0 Conclusion

From the Paper
"The disease of rickets takes its name from the Greek word for spine, rhakhis. Rickets is a disease that results from a severe and prolonged vitamin D deficiency and/or lack of calcium or phosphate that causes the bones to become weak and soft (Hicks, 2001). In children vitamin D deficiency is called rickets, and in adults it's known as osteomalacia. Rickets is fairly rare (Rickets, HealthCentral). It is most likely to occur during periods of rapid growth where the body demands high levels of calcium and phosphate. Therefore, it is usually seen in young children six to twenty-four months old and is uncommon in newborns."

Tags:health, vitamin, D, risk, treatment, prevention, sunlight, bones

Abstract
This paper examines how calcium is a crucial component of the function of the nervous, cardiac and musculoskeletal system and how there are often stresses on the calcium levels in the plasma as various systems require more calcium than normal. It focuses on the regulation of the total body calcium levels, the mechanisms and levels of complexity involved as well as touching on some of the clinical conditions that arise when this system does not function effectively.

From the Paper
"The importance of the PTH secretion is evident in deficient systems. In hypoparathyroidism, not enough PTH is present to respond adequately to the fall in Ca. This tends to cause hypocalcaemic problems, including tetany. This is also true for pseudohypoparathyroidism, where there is a defect bin the PTH receptors, preventing the PTH from having an effect. There are also problems associated with excess PTH causing hypercalcaemia. These conditions include hyperparathyroidism arising from tumours that secrete excess PTH. These patients not only have hypercalcaemia, but often have osteoporosis, urinary stones and sluggish CNS."

Tags:ca2, calcitonin, hormone, hypercalcaemia, osteoblast, osteocyte, parathyroid, ricketts, vitamin

Abstract
In this article, the writer reviews the literature on the biology of aging and vitamin supplements and concludes that older people need to take vitamin supplements. The writer reviews several reasons why, and examines the general research on aging, longevity, and vitamin supplements. The writer formulates a conclusion about vitamin supplements and aging based on the reviewed research.

From the Paper
"According to the National Center of Policy Analysis (NCPA) the baby boomer generation people born between the time periods of January and December peaked at the turn of the century at about ... million. In terms of longevity the NCPA reports that the first of the baby boomers will turn .... years old in at which point there will remain .... million boomers in the United States. However by the year ..... the first of the baby boomers will turn ..."

Tags:vitamin supplements, aging, longevity, biology, injury, disease

Abstract
The paper shows that consumers today are faced with a myriad of information concerning the safety and viability of vitamin supplements. One day the experts say one thing and the next day there are new studies by other experts. This all creates quite a dilemma for those who are trying to do the best for their bodies. The paper argues, however, that through the years there has been a steady stream of overwhelming evidence proving that vitamin supplements are helpful and beneficial for physical health, and moreover, may affect behavior. The paper uses information from various studies to prove that taking vitamins is extremely beneficial to ones health and well being.

From the Paper
"For years researchers have studied the benefits of vitamin E on the skin, hair, heart, and over-all health. Now researchers have proven that vitamin E supplements could save millions of health care dollars each year. A study published in the "American Journal of Cardiology" showed significant savings from various supplements, especially vitamin E. In a "double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 2,002 patients' vitamin E reduced non-fatal heart attack risk by 77 percent" (Natural 1998). Researchers found a savings of $578 per patient in patients taking vitamin E supplements compared to those who took placebos. The savings were based on a reduction in hospital admissions for nonfatal heart attacks."

Tags:medical, folate, vitamin, E, heart, attack

Abstract
This paper explains that people adhere to a vegetarian diet for physical health, environmental, ethical, and religious reasons. The author points out that the vegetarian diet excludes most meat products, omitting the nutritional value of meat, which include calcium, iron, riboflavin, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. Therefore, vegetarians, especially vegans, should be careful to take supplements that provide them with the necessary daily requirements. The paper relates that many animal activists approve of vegetarianism because of the cruel practices in farming to provide enough meat for the increasing world population.

Table of Contents
Introduction
The Nature of Vegetarianism
Animals
The Environment
The Benefit of Physical Health
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The environment suffers as a result of factory farming, and in addition, many nutrients are lost through producing animal feed rather than grains to feed human beings. Vegetarians argue that the mass of grains used to feed animals far outweigh the amount of meat eventually produced. It is suggested that, rather than attempting to pour so much food into animal products, that plant foods should directly be produced for human consumption. In this way abundance rather than scarcity can be produced, and nutrients "recycled" through animals could then be directly obtained from the grain products."

Tags:nutrients, health, religion, supplement, animals