Get Your Calcium

By Kyle Roderick
ThirdAge Staff

As you may already know, ThirdAge adults should consume about 1,500 milligrams a day of calcium.  The reality is, however, that the average American consumes less than 800 milligrams a day -- less than the recommended daily intake for a child age 4 to 8.

One of the best ways to increase the absorption of calcium is to take supplements with meals and in doses that do not exceed 500 milligrams. Calcium citrate has been found to be more readily absorbed than other forms of calcium, and is also less irritating than calcium carbonate.

Scan the label for the "USP" marking on calcium supplements. With U.S. standing for United States, this means that the product satisfies the U.S. Pharmacopeia's standard for dissolving and for dosage. This stamp is often present on generic products that will cost markedly less than more advertised brands.

Calcium-fortified foods are becoming increasingly popular on supermarket shelves. Look at juices, cereals, breakfast bars and even soups for calcium malate, the form of calcium that is used to enrich prepared foods. Be sure to factor in any calcium-fortified food when evaluating your calcium supplement intake. For most ThirdAgers, there's no need to take more than 1,500 milligrams of calcium a day.

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Calcium is essential for strong bones. Find out how you can offset bone loss as you age with Interactive Leonardo.