The role of calcium and Vitamin D

Less than half of all Australian adults get their daily recommended intake of calcium.

Dietary calcium is vital to maintain bone strength. The recommended dietary intake for all postmenopausal women and men over the age of 70 years is 1300mg per day.

In order to benefit the bones, calcium needs to be absorbed and Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption. Vitamin D has the added benefit of helping to improve muscle strength in the elderly. Improving muscle strength helps to reduce the incidence of falls, which can reduce the risk of fractures.

Our main source of Vitamin D is from exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D is also found in small quantities in some food, such as fatty fish e.g. salmon, herring and mackerel. Other sources such as liver and eggs contain very small amounts, but it is unlikely that adequate Vitamin D levels can be achieved through the diet.

Vitamin D deficiency is common and it should not be assumed that all Australians obtain adequate Vitamin D from sunlight.

If you are not getting enough calcium or Vitamin D your doctor may recommend taking supplements to help maintain bone strength and fight osteoporosis.

Evidence is accumulating that Vitamin D and calcium supplements help reduce fractures due to fragile bones.