Calcium supplements
Article Abstract:
Osteoporosis or bone loss occurs with aging, but proceeds at a faster rate in women especially after menopause. Many women take calcium supplements to prevent osteoporosis. It is recommended that the daily calcium intake should be 1,200 milligrams (mg) from adolescence to age 24 years, and 800 mg thereafter. Medical consultants also recommend that calcium intake should be 1,000 mg daily before menopause, and 1,500 mg daily after menopause. Postmenopausal estrogen replacement decreases bone loss, and calcium supplements lessen the amount of estrogen required for effective treatment. Calcium supplements, which are available as liquids or solids, may be combined with various chemical groups, derived from natural substances such as oyster shell and bone, or used as antacids. Only 30 percent of calcium is absorbed; a high percentage is excreted in the urine. Vitamin D does not increase calcium absorption in persons taking calcium supplements, although taking calcium with food increases its absorption by 10 to 30 percent. The absorption of calcium from different sources is similar. Some adverse effects of calcium supplementation include the formation of urinary tract stones, hypercalcemia or high blood calcium levels, constipation and other gastrointestinal disorders, interference with the absorption of other minerals such as iron, and phosphate depletion. Calcium derived from food sources may be safer than large doses of medicinal calcium, although it is not clear whether calcium from any source can prevent osteoporosis. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1989
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Calcium supplements
Article Abstract:
Calcium supplements for the prevention of osteoporosis may be a viable alternative for women who do not derive enough calcium from food. While children and men require less calcium, women over 50 years old and all those over 65 years old should take 1,500 mg of calcium daily. Most people ingest about half of the recommended calcium levels from food sources. Calcium salts come in a variety of preparations, including calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, and calcium phosphate. Gastrointestinal side effects are rare, except in high doses and with calcium carbonate.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1996
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Calcium supplements
Article Abstract:
Most people could probably benefit from a calcium supplement. Although dairy products are rich in calcium, most Americans get less than 800 milligrams (mg) of calcium per day. The National Academy of Sciences recommends 800 mg/day for young children, 1,300 mg/day for older children, 1,000 mg/day for adults and 1,200 mg/day for peopl over 50. Most supplements are effective in preventing osteoporosis, but some are absorbed better than others. Taking them with food and vitamin D can enhance their absorption.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 2000
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