Calcium and Peri/Post-Menopause The role of calcium in peri- and postmenopausal women: consensus opinion of The North American Menopause Society.
Article Summary: This is a review on the study done by The North American Menopause Society (NAMS), which develops an evidence-based consensus opinion regarding the role of calcium in peri- and postmenopausal women by using published medical data. A panel of clinicians and researchers that are acknowledged to be experts in the field of calcium were appointed, and their advice was used to assist NAMS in developing the consensus opinion. The research found that adequate calcium intake (in the presence of adequate vitamin D intake) may prevent bone loss and reduce the risk of fractures in peri- and postmenopausal women. Calcium is also an essential component of antiresorptive agent therapy for osteoporosis. Beside its functions in bone health, calcium has also shown positive effects associated with other nonskeletal disorders, namely, hypertension, colorectal cancer, obesity, etc. However, the extend study of these effects has not been fully |
explored. According to the research, 1,200 mg calcium per day is required for most women, and above 2,500 mg per day is not recommended. In order to reach the required amount of calcium, 400 to 600 IU of vitamin D is recommended per day. Vitamin D sources include sunlight or dietary supplements. Based on the available clinical research studies and data, it is important to ensure that a woman consumes enough calcium to meet the recommended levels, especially, those in peri- or postmenopause. Authors: Insititution: Country of Publication: Source: |
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