Boning Up on Calcium – Calculator Shows People Aren’t Getting Enough of This Key Nutrient

New findings released by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) show that 89{06cf2b9696b159f874511d23dbc893eb1ac83014175ed30550cfff22781411e5} of those who used the new IOF Calcium Calculator — which is based on Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendations — were calcium-deficient. The free online tool helps people calculate their approximate daily calcium intake based on their typical weekly diet.

Calcium is a major building block of bone tissue, with 99{06cf2b9696b159f874511d23dbc893eb1ac83014175ed30550cfff22781411e5} of the body’s calcium stored in the skeleton. Along with vitamin D, protein, and other micronutrients, adequate calcium intake helps young people build strong bones in order to maximize their bone-mass potential and older people maintain their bone health as they age.

Calcium recommendations vary worldwide, with recommended intakes based on age and gender. According to the IOM, young people age 9-18 should have a calcium intake of 1,300 mg per day, while post-menopausal women and men over 70 should be getting at least 1,200 mg per day.

The Calcium Calculator results, based on 6,908 users from 83 countries, showed that:

• The average calcium intake was 594 mg per day. Even if an additional 300 mg is added to this total to account for any calcium obtained through sources not included in the calculator, the users would still be deficient;

• Men and women had almost equal percentages of insufficiency (89{06cf2b9696b159f874511d23dbc893eb1ac83014175ed30550cfff22781411e5} vs 90{06cf2b9696b159f874511d23dbc893eb1ac83014175ed30550cfff22781411e5} respectively), with no significant difference across the age groups;

• Only 11{06cf2b9696b159f874511d23dbc893eb1ac83014175ed30550cfff22781411e5} achieved sufficient calcium intake levels; and

• 29{06cf2b9696b159f874511d23dbc893eb1ac83014175ed30550cfff22781411e5} of respondents had previously been diagnosed with osteoporosis or osteopenia.

Judy Stenmark, CEO of IOF, noted that “these findings suggest that many people may not be aware of the importance of bone-healthy nutrition. A healthy, balanced diet combined with regular exercise and smart lifestyle choices, such as not smoking and moderate alcohol intake, helps set the foundation for strong bones as you age. For those at high risk of fracture due to osteoporosis, a bone-healthy diet also supports falls prevention and enhances the benefits of therapy.”

She added that recent, controversial reports in the media in regard to calcium, vitamin D, and the role of supplementation may be causing confusion.

“The important thing to remember is that achieving recommended dietary intakes of calcium and vitamin D, together with other important nutrients, is necessary for optimum bone health,” Stenmark said. “It should be recognized that calcium-intake recommendations vary around the globe. IOF uses IOM recommendations as our reference standard but supports the use of national and local intake recommendations.

“Calcium needs should be met through food sources primarily,” she went on. “Supplements may be beneficial if adequate calcium intake cannot be met through the diet, especially where certain medical conditions exist. Anyone with concerns should speak to their doctor.”

Osteoporosis, a chronic disease which causes bones to become weak and prone to fracture, affects approximately one in three women and one in five men over age 50. Osteoporotic fractures are a major cause of pain, disability, and loss of independence in seniors worldwide.