If You're Over 50 Consider Calcium Supplements

A Science Daily article entitled Case For Daily Calcium Pill Strengthened cites a study conducted by researchers from the University of Western Sydney in Australia which supports the belief that those over 50 who take calcium supplements have less bone fractures and better health. Long term intake of both calcium and Vitamin D supplements was linked to a reduction of fractures among the elderly by as much as 25%.

Associate Researcher Dr Benjamin Tang, revealed that decreased reduction in bone density in the elderly is clearly supported by the evidence as is reduced rates of bone fracture. Dr. Tang compared calcium supplements to such preventative medications as aspirin and statins which have been used to reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks. He also likened the persistence in taking calcium supplements to an investment yielding dividends years into the future. Benefits of the supplements directly correlate to age. The greater the age the more positive are the effects.

An optimal daily dosage of 1200 mg of calcium and 800 international units of Vitamin D was cited in the linked article. As Dr. Tang points out another advantage of calcium supplements is price. They are relatively cheap and the impact compared to the cost well justifies their useage.