Calcium Supplements And Osteoporosis

An adequate dietary intake of calcium is an important part of building strong bones. 

Without a sufficient amount of calcium, bones can become weak and osteoporosis may occur. 

But it is important to realize that simply taking calcium alone is not enough to adequately treat osteoporosis. 

You must stick with your physician prescribed osteoporosis treatment plan for the best overall results.  Most physicians will prescribe calcium supplements for osteoporosis if you are not taking in an adequate amount of calcium through your food.

The National Institutes of Health have recommended the following calcium intake for the general population, regardless of whether or not you have osteoporosis. 

The institute recommends that children ages one to 10 take an 800 mg per day, pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women taking estrogen should take 1000 mg per day, men should also take 1000 mg per day, teenagers and young adults ages 11 to 24 should take in 1200 mg of calcium per day, postmenopausal women who are not taking estrogen should take 1500 mg of calcium per day and women who are pregnant or nursing should take 1200 to 1500 mg of calcium per day. 

The NIH also recommended that total calcium intake should not exceed 2000 mg per day.

Unfortunately studies indicate that the majority of women get less than 500 mg of calcium per day through their diet.  This is far less than the recommended intake.  This insufficient intake certainly puts women at an increased risk for osteoporosis.

Calcium supplements and osteoporosis treatment seem to go hand in hand.  You do not only have to get your calcium from supplemental sources.  Calcium can be found in a variety of food choices. 

There are approximately 300 mg of calcium in every 8 ounce glass of milk or container of yogurt.  This same amount is also found in 16 ounces of cottage cheese.  But I'm not exactly sure who could eat 16 ounces of cottage cheese during the day regardless of how much calcium it has.  An 8 ounce glass of milk contains almost 550 mg of calcium.

Calcium supplements and osteoporosis management is something that you must discuss with your health care provider prior to beginning to take additional calcium.  Remember the body can only absorb approximately 500 mg of calcium at any given time and so it is important to make sure that you spread out your calcium intake throughout the day in order to get the most benefit. 

It seems, for now, that calcium supplements for osteoporosis are a good choice.

See Also:
Osteoporosis Complications