Supplementation: Who can benefit?

There are certain life stages when getting enough calcium is especially important. During adolescence, bone growth is accelerated, increasing teenagers' need for several nutrients including calcium, vitamin D, magnesium and zinc. The National Institutes of Health (2000) surveys of American teens suggest that only 25% of boys and 10% of girls take in adequate amounts of calcium. Among younger adolescents, intakes of calcium above the amount usually provided by diet increases bone mineral density.

Research also suggests that many teens, particularly girls from 14-18, are not meeting their body's magnesium needs. Caltrate Plus provides 600 mg of calcium and 200 IU of vitamin D per tablet, along with minerals important to skeletal development, such as magnesium, zinc, copper and manganese.

Even "grown-ups" may not always eat right. Calcium is especially important during our thirties when bone mass peaks, to help protect against the gradual loss of bone (1% per year) that follows. As well, our aging bodies become less efficient at absorbing calcium and at manufacturing vitamin D from sun exposure. Caltrate 600 with Vitamin D provides 600 mg of calcium plus 200 IU of vitamin D per tablet to help the absorption of calcium.

Once we hit the big 5-0, calcium becomes increasingly important, especially for post-menopausal women. Although many of us are aware of the osteoporosis risk associated with menopause, and of calcium's role in maintaining strong bones, almost 80% of women still fail to consume enough calcium to protect themselves. In fact, according to one American study (NHANES III), women over 50 may be at risk of consuming only 50% of what is considered an adequate calcium intake. That's why many doctors recommend a daily calcium supplement like Caltrate for their patients.

It's never too late to benefit from calcium supplementation. A clinical trial (R. Recker et al. J Bone Miner Res. 1996; 11:1961-1966) of postmenopausal women ages 66-80 with a history of spine fractures found that Caltrate significantly reduced bone loss and risk of repeat fractures.

Choosing a calcium supplement

It's important to choose the supplement that's right for you. Caltrate is made from calcium carbonate, nature's most concentrated form of calcium. Calcium carbonate is about 40% elemental calcium by weight, so you can get the amount recommended by osteoporosis experts with just 1 or 2 tablets daily. Caltrate products are not made from oyster shell, and contain no sugar, salt, lactose, gluten or alcohol, so they are a good choice for people who have food sensitivities or dietary restrictions. If you or a family member has difficulty swallowing pills, Caltrate Plus is also available in fruit-flavoured, chewable tablets.

As with foods containing calcium, calcium supplements vary in how well they are absorbed by the body - how much is absorbed depends on the individual. The calcium in Caltrate is absorbed very well - about the same as the calcium in milk. As with milk, your body absorbs about one-third of the calcium you consume. Caltrate is best absorbed when taken with food. (Note: Recommended calcium intakes (eg. 1200 mg) refer to the amount you should take in, rather than the amount your body needs to absorb.) Talk to your doctor; he or she can help determine what will best meet your needs.

*Full citation: Recker, R.R., Hinders, S., Davies, K.M., Heaney, R.P., Stegman, M.R., Lappe, J.M, and Kimmel DB. "Correcting Calcium Nutritional Deficiency Prevents Spine Fractures in Elderly Women." J Bone Miner Res. 1996; 11:1961-1966.