Originally published September 18 2005
Vitamin D needed to increase calcium absorption
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Although many women are now taking calcium supplements to help prevent osteoporosis, they should also consider taking vitamin D supplements, since vitamin D is necessary for absorption of calcium.
More and more older women attempting to prevent osteoporosis are taking calcium supplements.
But don't forget another important ingredient - vitamin D - which is necessary for the efficient absorption of calcium.
Without vitamin D, bone mass diminishes and the risk of fractures increases.
"Vitamin D is present only in a few foods, such as fatty fish, cod liver oil and vitamin D-fortified milk.
It also may be formed in the skin with adequate ultraviolet light exposure, but many older people avoid excess sun exposure," says Dr. Howard Heller, associate professor of internal medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center.
"In addition, as people age their production of vitamin D may decrease."
For adults, Dr. Heller recommends daily doses of 1,000 milligrams of calcium and 600 to 800 international units of vitamin D.
For people over age 65 and postmenopausal women not on hormone-replacement therapy, the recommended dose of calcium increases to 1,500 milligrams.
Most multiple vitamins contain about half the needed amount of vitamin D, and calcium tablets contain about a fourth your daily need.
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