Added calcium may not help older bones: Studies

Extra calcium may not protect your aging bones after all. New Zealand researchers who analyzed more than 100 previous investigations say guidelines advising seniors to consume at least 1,000 to 1,200 milligrams of calcium a day are misplaced.
No proof was found that boosting calcium intake beyond normal dietary levels strengthens older bones or prevents fractures, said researcher Dr. Mark Bolland.
"We've gathered all the clinical studies of calcium supplements and dietary calcium intake for both bone density and fractures," said Bolland, an associate professor in the department of medicine at the University of Auckland.
"Taken together, we think this is the strongest possible evidence that taking calcium supplements will not be beneficial unless there are clear medical reasons that a calcium supplement is needed," he said.
Moreover, excess calcium supplementation can be harmful, he and other experts said.
Bolland said the findings probably will surprise clinicians and patients, "because they have received very strong messages for many years about the importance of calcium for bone health in guidelines for osteoporosis management and by osteoporosis advocacy groups."
Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and porous with age, so that even mild stress can lead to fractures. Bolland led one study review, and was a member of the second study review. The findings appear in the Sept. 30 issue of BMJ. One review focused on two dietary studies that compared how patients over 50 years of age fared when instructed to consume higher versus lower levels of calcium. The research team also looked at 44 studies that explored how long-held calcium, milk, dairy and/or supplement routines affected fracture risk. Another 26 studies examining the impact of calcium supplements were also analyzed.

Health Day

Added calcium may not help older bones: Studies

Extra calcium may not protect your aging bones after all. New Zealand researchers who analyzed more than 100 previous investigations say guidelines advising seniors to consume at least 1,000 to 1,200 milligrams of calcium a day are misplaced. No proof was found that boosting calcium intake beyond normal dietary levels strengthens older bones or prevents fractures, said researcher Dr. Mark Bolland. Weve gathered all the clinical studies of calcium supplements and dietary calcium intake for both bone density and fractures, said Bolland, an associate professor in the department of medicine at the University of Auckland. Taken together, we think this is the strongest possible evidence that taking calcium supplements will not be beneficial unless there are clear medical reasons that a calcium supplement is needed, he said. Moreover, excess calcium supplementation can be harmful, he and other experts said. Bolland said the findings probably will surprise clinicians and patients, because they have received very strong messages for many years about the importance of calcium for bone health in guidelines for osteoporosis management and by osteoporosis advocacy groups. Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and porous with age, so that even mild stress can lead to fractures. Bolland led one study review, and was a member of the second study review. The findings appear in the Sept. 30 issue of BMJ. One review focused on two dietary studies that compared how patients over 50 years of age fared when instructed to consume higher versus lower levels of calcium. The research team also looked at 44 studies that explored how long-held calcium, milk, dairy and/or supplement routines affected fracture risk. Another 26 studies examining the impact of calcium supplements were also analyzed. Health Day