Fordingbridge Surgery - Tele 01425 653430 For Appointments and Visits (Site reviewed 2/09/2010)
www.fordingbridgegps.co.uk 07th September 2010

Osteoporosis and diet

If you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, you may need to boost calcium intake to 1200mg a day for adults. This extra may be given as a supplement as part of your treatment.

How much calcium is needed?
 

The recommended intake for calcium has just been agreed by all interested committees.

Age RNI (reference nutrient intake)
0-12 months 525mg (breast fed only)
1-3 yrs 350mg
4-6 yrs 450mg
7-10 yrs 550mg
11-18 years 1000mg (boys) 800mg (girls)
19+ yrs 700mg
Pregnant women 700mg
Breast feeding women 700 + 550mg

Who is at risk?
 

You are more at risk if you:

  • are on long term, high dose corticosteroid medication
  • have low levels of the oestrogen (female) or testosterone (male) hormones (e.g. in females, an early menopause or hysterectomy, or the 'monthly period' missing for several months, as in anorexia nervosa or over exercising. In males, anorexia nervosa, over-exercising or hypogonadism)
  • smoke regularly
  • drink alcohol heavily
  • have conditions of malabsorption, e.g. coeliac disease, Crohn's disease
  • have a family history of osteoporosis - particularly through more than one generation
  • are house-bound - who are unable to get outside regularly
  • have religious beliefs which prevent the skin from being exposed to the sunlight

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