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Calcium curious.

Article Excerpt
Calcium curious

Commonly asked questions about a nutrient that generates a lot of them.

We seem to get more mail about calcium than any other single nutrient. The questions and comments vary, but many reflect the same exasperation. On the one hand, we've been told to take calcium pills to keep bones strong, prevent osteoporosis, and reduce the risk of fracture. On the other, information seems to keep popping up that calls into question the value of calcium * and even suggests that large amounts might be counterproductive. Throw in the occasional query about calcium absorption and which calcium pills to take, and the mailbag * or, more literally, the e-mail inbox * gets full.

Here are some of the questions we get most often * and our answers.

How much calcium should I be getting?

The official recommendation is 1,000 milligrams (mg) a day for adults ages 19 to 50 and 1,200 mg for those past the half-century mark. Those amounts include calcium from all sources: dairy products, other food and drinks, and calcium supplements. But there's a dissenting point of view that 600 mg to 1,000 mg a day is sufficient, perhaps even more healthful. Dr. Walter C. Willett, chair of the Harvard School of Public Health and a member of the Health Letter's editorial board, is a leading voice among the dissidents.

How much calcium am I getting if I don't take a supplement?

A reasonably good diet that includes some fruit and vegetables provides about 200 mg to 300 mg daily * and that's without any dairy products. A cup of milk adds another 300 mg, and...

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