Recently, a specially formed expert panel reevaluated calcium consumption based on the latest scientific data. This new report recommended a switch to the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) from the adequate intake (A1) values. The A1 proposal was a move away from guidelines designed to prevent deficiencies and towards guidelines that promote overall health and the prevention of chronic diseases. The A1 guidelines were based on the amount of calcium intake needed to maintain adequate bone density.
KEY POINTS ABOUT CALCIUM INTAKE :
It may be necessary for you to supplement your diet in order to meet the A1 guidelines.
Take calcium supplements with meals, as the increased production of gastric acid with meals enhances absorption.
Chewing calcium tablets improves absorption.
It is best to limit the amount of calcium you take at one time to 500 mg, as excess calcium can be ineffective.
It is not recommended to take calcium and iron together. Both calcium and iron absorption may be affected.
It is not necessary to combine magnesium, phosphate or calcium in any form other than citrate or carbonate.
Certains calcium preparations (e.g. Lead and other heavy elements can be found in bone, meal, and dolomite. Most commercial calcium preparations, however, are tested to make sure they don’t contain any significant contamination.
Recent studies on calcium citrate showed biochemical effects which suggest that calcium could reduce some of age-related changes in bone density that elderly women experience.
Monitoring the patient’s response to treatment. Low bone mass is a good predictor of fractures, but treatment decisions should also be based on the clinical evaluation and risk factors. A physical examination should include measuring height compared to the tallest height that can be remembered. Silent compression fractures are indicated by a loss greater than 1.5 inches. Laboratory tests include CBCs, SMAC-20s, ESRs, and TSHs. If the patient is experiencing back pain or has lost more than 1.5 inches of height, x-rays may be recommended.
