By Abby Newman SPT
Have you ever found yourself staring in confusion in the vitamin isle at the grocery store? Reading all the different brand names and supplement combinations- calcium citrate...calcium carbonate...calcium phosphate...calcium with vitamin D...women's daily vitamins for women under 50..women over 50. Overwhelming! All you know you need to do is take a calcium supplement. Which one is right for you? What are the benefits? Are there any risks?
As we age bone density changes and can become fragile. Bone density changes because your body loses too much calcium, doesn't make enough or both. This lowered density makes an individual more vulnerable to fracture from an injury that in an otherwise healthy individual would not result in fracture. Some fractures can lead to serious complications with healing and even death.
Osteoporosis is most common in post-menopausal women and can lead to other serious changes in posture and mobility. With osteoporosis, injury doesn't have to occur to sustain a fracture. In more advanced stages, simple movements such as bending forward can cause damage to the spine. Other risk factors for developing osteoporosis include excessive alcohol consumption, tobacco smoking, Vitamin D deficient diets, limited physical activity, low body weight, long-time use of corticosteroids, malnutrition, heredity, and excessive aerobic training.
So how do you know when or if you need to start taking a supplement?
For women, prevention is based on a healthy balanced diet and exercise started early in life when bone is still changeable and is in a growth stage. Typically at age 50, your healthcare provider will start assessing your height, spine and doing bone density testing to check the quality of your bone. Your healthcare provider may advise you to begin a calcium supplement. Most individuals 19-50 years of age need about 1000 milligrams of Calcium a day. A diet rich in dairy can meet these requirements without the need of a supplement. Foods such as milk, yogurt, cheese, broccoli and even some enriched cereals and breads contain calcium. For individuals who don't regularly eat these foods, have allergies, or are lactose intolerant, a calcium supplement may be beneficial.
Here are some recommendations from the National Osteoporosis Foundation and the National Institute of Health. As always, check with your medical provider before taking supplements.
Calcium Supplelment Do’s and Don’ts
DO:
DON’T: