WASHINGTON, DC -- July 13, 2007 -- Based on substantial research findings on consensus among the leading experts on this topic, the US National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) is updating its recommendations for daily adequate calcium and vitamin D3 intake for adults 50 years and older.
These revised guidelines recommend that adults aged 50 years and older should have 1200 mg of calcium/day and 800 to 1,000 I.U. of vitamin D3/day.
Role of Calcium
Getting the daily recommended amount of calcium, whether through diet, supplements, or combination, is essential to maintaining bone strength and can play a vital role in preventing osteoporosis-related fractures.
Role of Vitamin D3
Vitamin D3 plays a major role in calcium absorption and bone health. Vitamin D3 is manufactured in the skin following direct exposure to sunlight; however, there are many different factors that affect a person's ability to make adequate amounts of vitamin D3.
NOF revised its recommendations after careful consideration and review of a growing body of evidence that calcium and vitamin D3 deficiency is widespread throughout the world as well as in the U.S., particularly in adults 50 and older.
NOF will be working in the coming months to update its resources and materials. For additional information on calcium and vitamin D3, please click here.
REFERENCE:
Dawson-Hughes B, Heaney RP, Holick M, Lips P, Meunier P, Vieth R. 2005 Estimates of optimal vitamin D status. Osteoporos Int 16: 713-716.
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