12/08/11

Practitioner, professor, and researcher David Thomas, MD, sorts through the facts and myths about calcium intake by the elderly. This is the second of a two-part series.

Your mother always told you to drink your milk for a reason. The body needs calcium for strong bones and muscles, as well as a healthy heart. Unfortunately, elders often don’t get enough calcium. Add to this that many didn’t get enough calcium throughout their lives, and millions of elders are at risk of falls, fractures, and other problems. However, calcium-rich diets, calcium supplements, and some medications can help strengthen bones and keep elders stronger and healthier.

It doesn’t take that much for three servings of calcium daily – a cup of yogurt, a glass of milk, and a handful of almonds meet the bill. However, elders often don’t get enough calcium in their diets because they just don’t eat or drink as much as they did when they were younger. As a result, many elders are calcium deficient and need to take supplements.

Studies have shown that elders who take calcium supplements and vitamin D – the two go hand in hand, see last month’s Caring for Consumers – have fewer falls and fractures. While recommendations for supplements vary, it generally is agreed that elders should get 1,000-1,500 grams of calcium per day through food or a combination of food and supplements. Calcium from food is better for the body, so it is important to get as much calcium from meals and snacks as possible. This is easier in the long-term care facility, where meals are balanced to meet nutritional standards.

It is important to talk with the physician before taking any action. Calcium supplements can affect the absorption of many drugs, such as statins. At the same time, if your loved one has osteoporosis, a disease that causes bones to get thinner and weaker, he/she may need special medications beyond calcium-rich diets and calcium supplements. The doctor can detect osteoporosis through special testing.

Questions to Ask Your Physician:

• How do I know if my loved one gets enough calcium or is calcium deficient?

• What medications is my loved one taking that might be affected by calcium supplements?

• How can I get my loved one to eat foods and drink beverages with more calcium?

• What signs can I watch for that might suggest my loved one is at risk for falls or fractures?

• What role does exercise play in keeping bones and muscles strong?

•What You Can Do:

• With the physician’s permission, bring your loved one calcium-rich foods/beverages that he/she likes.

• Help your loved one get enough safe exercise (again, with the physician’s OK). Go for walks together. Toss a ball back and forth while you visit.

• When possible, take meals with your loved one so you can see how much he/she eats. Talk to the nurse/doctor if you notice that your loved one isn’t eating enough.

For more information:

• Hip Fractures Can Happen to Anyone: tinyurl.com/hipfracturenews

• Calcium and Vitamin D in the Elderly: tinyurl.com/calciumelderly

• Calcium: www.faqs.org/nutrition/Ca-De/Calcium.html

• It’s Seldom Too Late to Treat Osteoporosis: tinyurl.com/caringosteoporosis

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