Calcium for women in 40's and 50's

Littlegurl
Littlegurl Posts: 172 Member
in Food and Nutrition
I'm a 43 and would like to know if the recommended calcium intake is higher for women in this age range because of osteoporosis. I'm just now going to track my daily calcium. I take a multivitamin in the morning and then have some calcium in my food throughout the day, usually. Thanks in advance for info....

Replies

  • suznjane
    suznjane Posts: 10 Member
    Most woman don't get enough calcium with diet alone, usually a calcium supplement in addition to a multivitamin is recommended. Calcium Citrate with Vitamin D is preferred. Calcium needs vitamin D in order to be absorbed by the body. Caltrate is a good brand name. you can include your supplements in your food diary.
  • Littlegurl
    Littlegurl Posts: 172 Member
    Thanks!! I remember hearing that about vit D along time ago, but had forgotten. I will definitely start taking Caltrate. I also have to avoid the sun now because of an antibiotic that I have to take 2 times a day now. And the antibiotic is not temporary, so the vit D is definitely necessary.
  • skylark94
    skylark94 Posts: 2,036 Member
    I'm 36, but I supplement calcium because of a family history or osteopenia and osteoporosis. Doc recommended a calcium citrate + D supplement. She said calcium citrate is better absorbed than calcium caltrate and can be easier on the stomach.
  • 126siany
    126siany Posts: 1,386 Member
    Yes, calcium recommendations do vary by age. For women aged 19-50, the RDA is 1000mgs per day. For women 50-70, it's 1200. It goes up if pregnant or lactating, but most of us over 40 are neither.

    I don't have any problem getting sufficient calcium through diet, but my multivitamin also has calcium.
  • Hertford86
    Hertford86 Posts: 55 Member
    My doctor was telling me just the other day to take more calcium than was in my multivitamin. And yes, with Vitamin D, but she says that the store brands are just as good so save the money.
  • Littlegurl
    Littlegurl Posts: 172 Member
    I'm so glad I asked! Good info!

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