NIAMS - Consensus Statement on Optimal Calcium Intake Published in JAMA

National Institute of Arthritis and
Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

Consensus Statement on Optimal Calcium Intake Published in JAMA

OSHC NEWS SUMMARY

Conclusions of a panel convened by the National Institutes of Health at the Consensus Development Conference on Optimal Calcium Intake, held on June 6-8, 1994, are published in the December 28, 1994, issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). The consensus statement was developed by a 15-member independent panel composed of biomedical researchers, health professionals, and representatives of the public. The panel was chaired by Dr. John Bilezikian, chief of endocrinology at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City.

The consensus panel based their recommendations on a review of the recent medical literature on calcium intake and health status, 1½ days of presentations by experts from many different fields, and audience discussion. The consensus statement, drafted at the end of the conference, addresses the following questions:

What is the optimal amount of calcium intake?
What are the important cofactors for achieving optimal calcium intake?
What are the risks associated with increased levels of calcium intake?
What are the best ways to attain optimal calcium intake?
What public health strategies are available and needed to implement optimal calcium intake recommendations?
What are the recommendations for future research on calcium intake?

A brief version of the conclusions is attached. The NIH Consensus Development Conference on Optimal Calcium Intake was sponsored by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases and the NIH Office of Medical Applications of Research

For more information:

Free copies of the consensus statement and a bibliography prepared by the National Library of Medicine are available from the NIH Consensus Program Information Service by 24-hour voice mail at 1-800-NIH-OMAR (644-6627), or by writing to P.O. Box 2577, Kensington, MD 20891.

Conclusions of the Consensus Panel on Optimal Calcium Intake

The consensus panel summarized its conclusions as follows:

A large percentage of Americans fail to meet currently recommended guidelines for optimal calcium intake.
On the basis of the most current information available, optimal calcium intake is estimated to be 400 mg/day (birth–6 months) to 600 mg/day (6–12 months) in infants; 800 mg/day in young children (1–5 years) and 800–1,200 mg/day for older children (6–10 years); 1,200–1,500 mg/day for adolescents and young adults (11–24 years); 1,000 mg/day for women between 25 and 50 years; 1,200–1,500 mg/day for pregnant or lactating women; and 1,000 mg/day for postmenopausal women on estrogen replacement therapy and 1,500 mg/day for postmenopausal women not on estrogen therapy. Recommended daily intake for men is 1,000 mg/day (25–65 years). For all women and men over 65, daily intake is recommended to be 1,500 mg/day, although further research is needed in this age group. These guidelines are based upon calcium from the diet plus any calcium taken in supplemental form.
Adequate vitamin D is essential for optimal calcium absorption. Dietary constituents, hormones, drugs, age, and genetic factors influence the amount of calcium required for optimal skeletal health.
Calcium intake, up to a total intake of 2,000 mg/day, appears to be safe in most individuals.
The preferred source of calcium is through calcium-rich foods such as dairy products. Calcium-fortified foods and calcium supplements are other means by which optimal calcium intake can be reached in those who cannot meet this need by ingesting conventional foods.
A unified public health strategy is needed to ensure optimal calcium intake in the American population.
Source: Consensus Development Conference Statement, Optimal Calcium Intake, September 1994.

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