Page 19 - Seniors Today June2020

WHO AGE RECOMMENDED BONE HEALTH ISSUES
DAILY CALCIUM

Children 1-3 500mg During this growth phase the foundations
4-8 700mg for peak bone mass are laid, so it is essen-
9-11 1,000mg tial calcium intake matches the needs of
12-18 1,300mg growing bones.

Adults 19-50 1,000mg Between 20-30 years bone gain and loss

is quite stable – a healthy lifestyle during
these years supports good bone health
From the mid-30s onwards, bone loss starts
to increase more than bone gain
50+ 1,300mg

When women go through menopause,
there is a rapid loss of bone because of de-
creased oestrogen and this process may last
from 4-8 years after menopause
After this period of time the rate of bone
loss is reduced and stabilises
The gastrointestinal system and kidney
become less efficient at absorbing and
conserving calcium in the body and this
creates a state of potential calcium loss in
the blood so the body compensates for this
by drawing calcium out of the bones
The reduced exposure to sunlight and
lower vitamin D levels of many women over
50 can reduce the absorption of calcium for
bone strength
Pregnant 14-18 1,300mg Pregnant women and breastfeeding women
and lactating have higher requirements for calcium to
women 19-30 1,000mg be absorbed through the mother’s gastro-
intestinal system. The calcium is needed to
31-50 1,000mg
support:
skeletal growth of the foetus
milk production
Normal pregnancy and breastfeeding is
associated with a certain amount of bone
mineral loss, which generally recovers 6-12
months after birth and/or stopping breast
feeding[1]
Source: National Health and Medical Research Council. (2006) NZ

SENIORS TODAY | ISSUE #12 | JUNE 2020 19