DUBAI, 6th February, 2017 (WAM) -- Al Jalila Foundation has launched a study into osteoporosis, a medical condition in which the bones become brittle and fragile from loss of tissue, typically as a result of hormonal changes, and deficiency of calcium or vitamin D.

Together Against Osteoporosis, is the first osteoporosis study of its kind in the UAE and will be conducted by Dubai Bone and Joint Centre, DBAJ, in cooperation with Gargash Enterprises, which has donated two fully equipped Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans to facilitate the pioneering research.

The research investigates the prevalence of osteoporosis and vitamin D deficiency in the UAE, as well as the correlation of vitamin D, diabetes mellitus and other risk factors of bone mineral density. Osteoporosis is preventable and treatable, but many people are not diagnosed in time to receive effective therapy during the early phase of the disease.

The goal of the study is to raise awareness of the disease, preventative measures and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. The study will be conducted during a 24-month period and aims to asses a total of 2,500 participants. The data collected will be published to provide healthcare professionals with accurate epidemiological information about osteoporosis in the UAE.

Dr. Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, Chief Executive Officer at Al Jalila Foundation, said, "Vitamin D deficiency has become a global health concern. Studies have shown that insufficient levels of Vitamin D can lead to a number of chronic illnesses and life-threatening diseases. As the #Year of Giving kicks off we are grateful to Gargash Enterprises for their support and look forward to working together on this important study to advance medical research, improve patients lives and contribute to a healthier and happier nation." Shehab Gargash, Board Member of Gargash Enterprises, added, "With more than a 70 percent prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency among the UAE population, we see it as our privilege, as well as our duty, to be part of this noble cause, and we are proud to stand side by side with the Al Jalila Foundation and Dubai Bone and Joint Centre to accomplish it. The journey ahead of us to raise awareness is a long one, but with the Mercedes-Benz mobile clinic vehicles that Gargash Enterprises has contributed, we have the confidence that the research team will be readily equipped for the challenges they may face and we look forward to raising awareness about osteoporosis and Vitamin D deficiency and thus helping people learn about treatment and prevention."Michael Stroud, CEO of DBAJ, said, "Dubai Bone and Joint Centre are extremely grateful to Al Jalila Foundation and Gargash Enterprises for sponsoring this very important research and we are delighted that DBAJ can make a positive contribution to the future healthcare of the UAE."Al Jalila Foundation, a member of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, continues to invest in innovative healthcare programmes to position Dubai at the forefront of medical innovation. 100 percent of donations are invested in medical treatment, education and research to improve lives in the UAE and the region.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2017.