Calcium is one of the most important minerals in the body, necessary to support the function and structure of bones and teeth, as well as a multitude of metabolic functions.

Controversial reports questioning the importance of calcium for bone health have recently caused confusion about calcium supplementation. However, several studies have consistently found that adequate calcium intake is essential in maintaining both optimum bone and overall health (1-4). Additionally, suboptimal calcium intake in the long-term can lead to problems such as brittle bones.

The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for calcium ranges between 1,000 and 1,300 milligrams for healthy adults. It’s important to remember that the RDA is a general suggestion according to what most healthy people will need and there may be significant variability among individuals.

Most People Still Don’t Get Enough

Even though studies have conclusively shown that adequate calcium consumption is essential for optimal health, a recent study has shown that people worldwide are still not meeting their daily needs. A recent study conducted by the International Osteoporosis Foundation surveyed almost 7,000 individuals from 80 countries using a calcium calculator. The study estimated these individuals’ dietary calcium intake and found on average that the daily intake was less than 600 milligrams per day—far less than the RDA (3).

Another study using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) assessed dietary and supplemental calcium consumption among U.S. men and women. This study found that many Americans are not consuming enough calcium through diet alone. Overall, only 40 percent of participants consumed adequate calcium in their diets even with 48 percent of participants reporting that they were taking a calcium supplement (4).

Calcium Convenience with Isagenix

Many people are drawn to the idea that we should be able to consume all of our essential nutrients from whole foods alone and although this may be a worthy ideal, it’s not as easy as it sounds. Although broccoli, spinach, and milk are all calcium-rich, most people don’t consume enough of these foods on a daily basis to meet the appropriate RDA levels.

Isagenix offers solutions that make meeting most of the daily nutrient recommendations simple. By using calcium-rich products like IsaLean® Shake (about 300 milligrams per serving) and Ageless Essentials™ Daily Pack (800 and 900 milligrams for men and women, respectively), consumers can consistently get enough calcium in their diets.

Getting enough calcium each day for stronger bones shouldn’t be a chore. With a proper diet and convenient, nutrient-dense products, it can be easy.

References

  1. Lee AM, Sawyer RK, Moore AJ, Morris HA, O’Loughlin PD, Anderson PH. Adequate dietary vitamin D and calcium are both required to reduce bone turnover and increased bone mineral volume. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2014 Oct;144 Pt A:159-62.doi: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2013.11.009.
  2. Kopic S, Geibel JP. Gastric acid, calcium absorption, and their impact on bone health. Physiol Rev. 2013 Jan;93(1):189-268. doi: 10.1152/physrev.00015.2012.
  3. International Osteoporosis Foundation. “More calcium needed in diets: Study” (press release). 13 November 2015. Available at: http://www.dairyreporter.com/Ingredients/More-calcium-needed-in-diets-Study
  4. Ma J, Johns RA, Stafford RS. Americans are not meeting current calcium recommendations. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 May;85(5):1361-6.