New research out of New Zealand suggests that calcium may not be the magic bone health pill that we’ve long counted on to strengthen aging bones and aid in the prevention of hip fracture. We’ve long believed that dietary calcium intake – that is the calcium contained in the foods we eat or drink – is inadequate to significantly aid in producing enough bone density to help prevent fractures and as a result, calcium supplements are often prescribed for those over 50. The study says that the 1% increase in bone density gained from calcium supplements is not enough to have any effect on fracture risk and that evidence about the supplements is inconsistent.
The research team also pointed out that too much calcium increases the risk of kidney stones and cardiovascular issues and want recommended limits of daily calcium reduced to 800 mg. Osteoporosis Canada recommends that adults over the age of 50 take in 1200 mg of calcium per day from diet and supplements. According to the Mayo Clinic, the median daily dietary calcium intake for Americans over the age of 50 is 589 to 646 mg which is still less than the New Zealand research team recommends suggesting that supplements are needed.
Dr. Sandra Kim of Women’s College Hospital in Toronto wants to make sure we don’t dump calcium from our diets as a reaction to this research. Noting that each person varies in the amount of calcium they require, Dr. Kim points to calcium as a necessary ingredient for overall bone health.
On the flip side Dr. Heather McKay, director of the Centre for Hip Health and Mobility at the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Centre, feels that calcium intake recommendations need to be changed. Along with that, public attitudes about how to be healthy could use a tune up. “I think as a culture, unfortunately, we would rather take something than do something,” said Dr. McKay, adding that prescribing exercise to build muscle strength would be better to reduce fracture risk.
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