Osteoporosis, Fragility & Bone Health Edition | Calcium & Vitamin D “When Enough is Enough”
Oct 12, 2023
auto_awesome
Endocrinologist and bone specialist, Dr. Daniel L. Hurley, discusses the importance of calcium and vitamin D for bone health. Topics include dietary sources of calcium, the superiority of dietary calcium over supplements, and the need for supplemental calcium and/or vitamin D. The podcast also covers recommended daily intake of calcium, the role of vitamin D in bone health, and the safety and dosage of vitamin D supplements.
Adequate calcium intake is essential for building strong bones and maintaining normal cellular functioning; relying solely on normal blood calcium levels does not indicate sufficient intake, as the body can draw from bone reserves to maintain normal levels.
Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium from the gut and helps deposit it into bones, contributing to bone strength; those in colder climates with limited sun exposure may require vitamin D supplementation.
Deep dives
The Importance of Calcium for Bone Health
Calcium plays a crucial role in bone health, as 99% of the calcium in our body is stored in our bones. It is necessary for building strong bones and ensuring normal cellular functioning throughout the body. If calcium intake is inadequate, the body will extract calcium from the bone storage depot, which can weaken the bones. It is important to note that relying solely on normal blood calcium levels does not indicate sufficient calcium intake, as the body can draw from bone reserves to maintain normal levels. Daily recommended calcium intake varies depending on age and gender, ranging from 700 milligrams in young children to 1,200 milligrams in postmenopausal women. Dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, are primary dietary sources of calcium.
Different Types of Calcium Supplements
For individuals who cannot meet their calcium needs through their diet, calcium supplements may be recommended. It is worth noting that various types of calcium supplements exist, such as calcium carbonate and calcium citrate, and their absorption and benefits can differ slightly. Calcium carbonate, the most common form, requires acid in the stomach for optimal absorption, making it important to take with food. Calcium citrate, on the other hand, does not require acid for absorption and is less likely to cause constipation. However, calcium citrate binds less calcium than calcium carbonate, meaning one may need to take more tablets to achieve the desired calcium intake. It is generally advised to obtain calcium through food sources whenever possible.
The Role of Vitamin D in Bone Health
Vitamin D is essential for both muscle and bone health. While it is commonly referred to as a vitamin, it is actually a vitamin and a hormone. Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium from the gut and helps deposit it into bones, contributing to bone strength. The body can produce Vitamin D through sunlight exposure on the skin, but those in colder climates with limited sun exposure may require supplementation. The recommended daily intake for vitamin D is around 2000 units or 50 micrograms. Adequate vitamin D levels are crucial for calcium absorption and maintaining optimal bone health.
Calcium and vitamin D are essential in building healthy bone; they’re especially important early in life as our bone mineral density increases. Yet many individuals are not receiving adequate amounts of calcium or vitamin D. What are the most common dietary sources of calcium? Is dietary calcium superior to calcium supplements? Should our patients be taking supplemental calcium and/or vitamin D? In this podcast, we’ll review the importance of calcium and vitamin D and I’ll be discussing these questions with our guest, endocrinologist and bone specialist, Daniel L. Hurley, M.D., from the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the Mayo Clinic.