International Osteoporosis Foundation finds almost 90% people are calcium deficient
NYON, Switzerland — New findings released on World Osteoporosis Day by the International Osteoporosis Foundation show that 89% of those who used the organization’s new IOF Calcium Calculator were calcium deficient. The free online tool helps people calculate their approximate daily calcium intake based on their typical weekly diet.
According to the Institute of Medicine, young people aged 9-18 should have a calcium intake of 1,300 mg/day, while postmenopausal women and men aged over 70 should be getting at least 1,200 mg per day.
The Calcium Calculator results, based on 6,908 users from 83 countries, showed that:
The average calcium intake was 594 mg per day. Even if an additional 300 mg is added to this total to account for any calcium obtained through sources not included in the calculator, the users would still be deficient;
Men and women had almost equal percentages of insufficiency (89% vs. 90%, respectively), with no significant difference across the age groups;11% achieved sufficient calcium intake levels; and
29% of respondents had previously been diagnosed with osteoporosis or osteopenia.
“These findings suggest that many people may not be aware of the importance of bone-healthy nutrition,” IOF CEO Judy Stenmark said. “A healthy, balanced diet combined with regular exercise and smart lifestyle choices, such as not smoking and moderate alcohol intake, helps set the foundation for strong bones as you age. For those at high risk of fracture due to osteoporosis, a bone-healthy diet also supports falls prevention and enhances the benefits of therapy.
Osteoporosis, a chronic disease which causes bones to become weak and prone to fracture, affects approximately one in three women and one in five men aged over 50. Osteoporotic fractures are a major cause of pain, disability and loss of independence in seniors worldwide.
”Recent controversial reports in the media in regard to calcium, vitamin D and the role of supplementation may be causing confusion,”Stenmark said. ”The important thing to remember is that achieving recommended dietary intakes of calcium and vitamin D, together with other important nutrients, is necessary for optimum bone health.”