The Vitamin D and Bone Health Study in the Friedman Lab, in Vancouver, has begun!

They are recruiting women between the ages of 20 and 40 and men between the ages of 25 and 45 years old.

The purpose of the research is to see if bone health can be maintained or improved in adults with NF1 by taking daily vitamin D, for two years.

As many people with NF know, osteoporosis (loss of bone density that may lead to bone breakage and other difficulties) is a common problem in NF1.  Dr. Friedman hopes to show whether or not giving vitamin D will protect people’s bones.

There is more detailed information about the study here.

The study takes place in Vancouver but there are honoraria as well as travel allowances for ferry costs, etc., for people from elsewhere in BC.

Apparently, there are three study dates planned.  The first, Thursday Sept 27th is almost full, but Friday,  November 2nd still has five slots available.  They anticipate one more date in December.

If you are interested, there is a screening procedure to check whether you are eligible.  Please contact the study nurse, Patricia Birch, at 604-875-2000 ext 5622, or by email to patricia.birch@ubc.ca