Calcium Supplements Before Menopause? Maybe
Experts Warn Younger Women About Calcium Deficiency
POSTED: 11:54 a.m. EDT June 19, 2003
Many women think that they don't need calcium supplements until they're nearing menopause, when the risk of osteoporosis is higher.
But experts from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., say if you aren't getting enough calcium from your diet, you need a calcium supplement, regardless of your age.
In many cases, women first need a supplement at menopause or in later years, but increasingly, calcium deficiency is seen in younger women, according to the June issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource.
Experts urge women to ask their doctor how much calcium they need. Calcium needs change based on age and other health factors. If you need a supplement, there are many choices on what kind to take; when to take it for best absorption; and if it should be combined with vitamin D or other minerals.
Calcium supplementation is beneficial at any age when dietary intake is insufficient, the report says. There may be greater bone benefit at certain times in life -- puberty and in the teenage years or in early menopause -- but regardless of a women's age, calcium intake will benefit the bones as well as muscles and nerves.
Foods can provide all of the calcium you need. Some cereals have 1,000 milligrams of calcium per bowl. Combined with one-half cup of milk, it provides about 1,100 to 1,200 mg elemental calcium.
Other good sources of calcium include dairy products; vegetables including broccoli, spinach, Brussels sprouts and kale; tofu; calcium-fortified juices, cereals and breads; and canned fish, such as salmon.
But experts from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., say if you aren't getting enough calcium from your diet, you need a calcium supplement, regardless of your age.
In many cases, women first need a supplement at menopause or in later years, but increasingly, calcium deficiency is seen in younger women, according to the June issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource.
Experts urge women to ask their doctor how much calcium they need. Calcium needs change based on age and other health factors. If you need a supplement, there are many choices on what kind to take; when to take it for best absorption; and if it should be combined with vitamin D or other minerals.
Calcium supplementation is beneficial at any age when dietary intake is insufficient, the report says. There may be greater bone benefit at certain times in life -- puberty and in the teenage years or in early menopause -- but regardless of a women's age, calcium intake will benefit the bones as well as muscles and nerves.
Foods can provide all of the calcium you need. Some cereals have 1,000 milligrams of calcium per bowl. Combined with one-half cup of milk, it provides about 1,100 to 1,200 mg elemental calcium.
Other good sources of calcium include dairy products; vegetables including broccoli, spinach, Brussels sprouts and kale; tofu; calcium-fortified juices, cereals and breads; and canned fish, such as salmon.
Copyright 2003 by Lifewhile.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
