11/28/2007 - Better Nutrition - November 2007 issue
A Woman’s Guide to Calcium
When woman think about what they can do to prevent osteoporosis, most immediately think of calcium. The abundant mineral improves bone health, increases bone mineral density, and improves the effectiveness of osteoporosis medications. And while most studies do not show that calcium reduces fracture risk, incidences of hip fractures in older women taking calcium supplements were significantly reduced, according to data from the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) trial. Supplementing with calcium has also been shown to decrease bone loss in postmenopausal women. Other research shows that women who benefit the most from calcium supplements include those who are older, have osteoporosis, and/ or have a low baseline intake of calcium. (more)