Research has shown that 9 out of 10 women do not meet the RDA for calcium, and this is especially common among menopausal women. 80% of those suffering from osteoporosis are women.
Today, calcium is most well known for the role it plays in preventing osteoporosis. The major sources of calcium are dairy products. An average adult will need to drink approximately 4 glasses of milk to meet the RDA of calcium. But the problem is, most Asians either do not take enough milk products or tolerate them. Hence, if you are not a milk lover, or have lactose intolerance, calcium supplements are ideal.
There are many different forms of calcium supplements available. The most common ones are calcium carbonate, which has the highest concentration of calcium by weight (40%), calcium citrate, the most soluble form with 21% calcium, calcium phosphate with 8% calcium, calcium gluconate and oyster shells. Most studies have found that calcium is most bioavailable when teken with a meal. Some common brands of calcium supplements are Caltrate 600mg+D, Os-cal 500mg+D, Abbott Bio-enhanced Calcium plus, Blackmores Bio Calcium 500mg and Kordel’s Calcium & Magnesium plus.
The current recommended dietary allowances (RDA) for calcium is as follows:
- Infant (0-1 yr old) - 300-550mg
- Children (1-7 yrs old) -700-800mg
- Girls (12-15 yrs old) - 1000mg
- Girls (16-18 yrs old) - 800mg
- Boys (12-15 yrs old) - 1200mg
- Boys (16-18 yrs old) - 1000mg
- Women (19-54 yrs old) -800mg
- Pregnant women -1000mg
- Lactating women -1200mg
- Women after menopause - 1000mg
- Men (19-64+ yrs old) -800mg
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