Two new studies that have just been published in the British medical journal add to the growing skepticism about calcium supplements being prescribed to boost bone health. While a daily intake of 1000 to 1200 mg of calcium is often prescribed for the elderly in order to prevent fractures, these two studies written by New Zealand researchers believe that there is too little evidence to show that Calcium supplements are actually effective in providing better bone health.
They further point out that the small benefit of these supplements is outweighed by minor but bothersome side effects like the constipation or more serious effects such as cardiovascular risks.
The researchers analyzed dozens of studies looking at calcium intake in men and women over the age of 50. They did find an increase in bone mineral density of about 1-2% after 5 years, but they believe that this increase is “unlikely to translate into a clinically meaningful reduction in fractures.”
Conclusions that apply to food supplements but also to calcium-enriched diets.
“The calcium we consume when we have a diversified diet should be sufficient for the good health of our bones”, conclude the researchers.
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