Are you choking down huge, calcium horse pills?  You may want to rethink your calcium strategy and osteoporosis prevention plan!  New research conducted in Sweden shows that yes, calcium is critical to bone health, but too much may not be doing you any good.  Taking in enough calcium over the long haul appears to be the best way to protect your bones.  The study followed over 61,000 women born between 1914 and 1948.  The researchers broke the women down into groups with those receiving less than 751 mg daily in one group, those receiving over 1,137 mg and the middle group who took in between 882 to 996 mg per day.  The middle group was used as a reference group.  Those in the lowest group based on amount of calcium ingested daily were more likely to suffer first fractures in general and hip fractures specfically.  Those in the highest intake group didn’t show a marked difference overall, except for a slightly lower number of those with osteoporosis.

The researchers concluded that women shouldn’t toss out their calcium supplements yet, but should look to improve their calcium intake through foods first.  For many of the risks of bone disease categories, getting over 750 mg didn’t improve women’s chances much.  Looks like dairy, like carbs, are back on the “good for you” list as long as you eat or drink them in moderation.  Get your vitamin levels tested so you know where you stand, but, a little of something is a good thing, but too much, again, is not good.  Moderation is the key and unfortunately, it’s over a lifetime, not just later when you’re older and it’s too late.    I just got up to check the amount of calcium in my daily vitamin supplement and, adding in the milk in my coffee and yogurt for breakfast, I’m still a little low.  Maybe I’ll have a some ice cream for dessert instead of taking a calcium pill!

Written by www.labtestingnow.com