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Menopause Experts Highlight the Importance of Calcium |
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A recent position statement brings attention to the need for women to boost their intake of calcium, and recommends dairy foods as a simple solution. So celebrate National Women’s Health Week (May 13-19th) by toasting the important women in your life with a glass of calcium-rich milk.
Adequate calcium intake is critical for women of peri- and postmenopausal age to reduce bone loss and fractures, according to a recent position statement by The North American Menopause Society (NAMS). According to the report, the median calcium intake of postmenopausal women in the United States and Canada is approximately 600 mg, only half of the recommended 1,200 mg per day for those over 50 years of age. In addition to bone health, the report highlights other potential health benefits of adequate calcium intake including reduced risk of colorectal cancer, kidney stones, hypertension, and obesity. Among the NAMS recommendations:
Women should meet their calcium needs with food sources first
Dairy foods are the preferred source due to their high calcium content and absorption, the presence of other important nutrients, and their low cost relative to total nutritional value
Consuming three servings of dairy foods daily will help women meet their calcium and other nutrient needs
The report is consistent with the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which recommend that those ages 9 years and above consume three servings of fat-free or low-fat milk, yogurt or cheese daily.
The role of calcium in peri- and postmenopausal women: 2006 position statement of The North American Menopause Society.
Menopause: The Journal of The North American Menopause Society. 2006; 13: 862-877.
Scientific synopsis provided by Katie Hoffmann, MS, RD, Maine Dairy & Nutrition Council
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