Calcium – Forget the Supplements. Get it in Your Diet.

In this study, women were given 1000mg a day of calcium plus 400 IU of vitamin D (regardless of vitamin or dietary intake) or a placebo.  Not surprisingly, there was a significant reduction in fractures in women over 70 who took their calcium as prescribed, but at the price of a 17% increase in kidney stones. For every 10,000 women taking calcium, there were two less hip fractures but 5 extra cases of kidney stones. Constipation. Calcium can also cause constipation, so why take more than you need? (If constipation is a problem for you, try taking calcium with magnesium). Interference with absorption of both iron and zinc. You may also have heard that calcium supplementation can lead to heart disease.  It’s still an open question.  Some studies suggest up to a 20% increase in heart disease in men and women who take calcium supplementation. Other studies do not find this risk, or find it only in men and not women. In the Women’s Health Initiative study cited above, no increase in coronary calcium scores were seen in women who took 1000 mg of calcium daily, which is a reassuring result. Calcium and other vitamins and mineral pills are called “Supplements” for a reason They are meant to supplement, not replace, the primary source of calcium intake, which is food.   So instead of taking supplements, get your calcium in your diet. What About Vitamin D?  Its a question without a good answer. The USPSTF recommendations only applies to Vitamin D doses...
Source: The Blog That Ate Manhattan - Category: Primary Care Authors: Tags: Women's Health calcium Calcium supplements Dose food sources calcium RDA. Vitamin D Recommendation Source Type: blogs