Gregory Chandler - Bone Loss

People over the age of 40 should take calcium and vitamin D supplements to maintain bone density.

In a study of bone density, 35 post-menopausal women, aged 55 to 65, took dairy products fortified with 1,200 mg of calcium plus 300 IU of vitamin D per day for the first 12 months, then 1,200 mg of calcium plus 900 IU of vitamin D per day for the next 18 months. The group receiving the supplements also received dietary counseling. A similar group got neither supplements nor dietary counseling.

After 30 months, compared to the non-supplement group, the calcium-vitamin D group had better bone mineral density in the arm, total spine and total body.

Although the study was on females, males over the age of 40 should also supplement with calcium and vitamin D to prevent bone loss.

GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law