The Diet Myth

A nation of calcium-deficient adults

A large percentage of Americans, especially women, do not get enough calcium from their diet

The specific nutrient most important for attaining peak bone mass and for preventing and treating osteoporosis is calcium. To reach the skeleton, dietary calcium must first be absorbed into the body.

It is well documented that 90% of adult women aged 20 plus and 73% of adult men aged 20 plus have an inadequate calcium intake.¹

Even patients who report taking supplements are likely still not getting enough calcium

Median calcium intake for females 51+ (1988-1994):^3,4

• <600 mg/day (from food only, not taking supplements)
• <775 mg/day (from food + supplements)

As we age, women in particular, our bodies work against achieving sufficient calcium levels

Intestinal absorption decreases significantly with age:

• "Gross calcium absorption averages 20% to 30% with transient [peaks] during adolescent growth spurts and pregnancy"⁵

• "By age 65, calcium absorption efficiency is typically 50% below adolescent peak absorption"⁵