Calcium Intake

Everybody needs enough calcium. This is particularly important for seniors and even more important for senior women. Our national trend towards better health habits has decreased intake of calcium-containing milk and cheese. Hence, calcium intake for many people has dropped below what is desirable. Thus, calcium supplements are often needed.

Women over age 50 should have at least 1500 milligrams (mg) of calcium each day and men over age 65 at least 1000 mg. A glass of milk contains about 250 mg of calcium. Add in the odds and ends of calcium in various foods and a typical daily intake is usually around 500 mg. one or two tablets a day will usually do it.

Remember the calcium “paradox” because it is important. Just taking the calcium in your diet doesn’t really do anything. The reason is that the calcium is not, for the most part, absorbed from the bowel. You need both to take enough calcium from the bowel. For everybody, this stimulus should include weight-bearing exercise. For women, estrogen supplementation can be helpful, and this possible treatment should be discussed with your doctor.