Women’s Health
and Nutrition
The Role of Calcium in Contributing to Women’s
Health and Nutrition
The right diet is important for women’s heath and nutrition
needs. One particular staggering statistic is the increase
in osteoporosis. It is expected that one out of every two
women, over the age of 50, will experience some type of osteopoSrosis.
Osteoporosis is a condition which especially affects older
women and is characterized by a decrease in the density of
the bones of the skeletal system. The resulting effect, of
this condition, causes brittleness of the bones and hence
the individual more susceptible to fractures.
Generally, women are more prone to osteoporosis because of
menopause. Following menopause there is a decrease in the
estrogen hormone that affects the density of the bones that
comprise the skeletal system. It is so important as part of
a woman’s health and nutrition program that the proper
dosages of calcium should be taken on a daily basis.
Calcium plays an important role of maintaining and building
the density of the bone. Calcium citrate and calcium carbonate
are absorbed from food and supplements via the intestines.
These minerals will then be transported through the bloodstream
and help to maintain the integrity of the skeletal system.
Women’s health and nutrition should begin at an early
age. Therefore, young women should receive proper doses of
calcium as early as possible. Proper nutrition will help in
the early stages of their physical development and will continue
through out their life through learned nutritional processes.
Recommended Dosage
Women’s health and nutrition needs should take into
account the proper daily dosage of calcium. The daily dosage
of calcium will have to depend on several factors, and the
factors include the age of the individual and the condition
of the individual.
For instance, those young ladies who are between the ages
of 11 and 24 should receive a recommended daily dosage of
1200 to 1500 milligrams. Women who have reached the age of
25 to 50 should receive a daily dosage of 1000 milligrams.
Besides, women age 50 and above who are not taking a hormone
replacement should receive a daily dosage of calcium in the
amount of 1000 milligrams. Besides that, women who are pregnant
or who are nursing a child should have a daily calcium intake
of 1200 to 1500 milligrams. Last but not least, those women
50 years of age and older and not on a hormonal replacement
should receive a daily dosage of 1500 milligrams.
Calcium
When you are thinking about women’s health and nutrition,
the dietary needs of women will come to mind. Other than the
proper dosages of calcium, there are also certain options
that are available.
There are many schools of thought which revolve around receiving
the proper daily dosage of calcium. However, the best source
of taking in calcium is through a proper diet. A healthy diet
and in sufficient quantities should provide the acceptable
dosages of calcium required to maintain the health of the
women’s skeletal system.
Dairy products have been known to have a good source of calcium,
but the chance of being lactose intolerant may prevent women
from receiving their daily calcium through this type of food.
Additionally, dairy products contain unwanted quantities of
fat and therefore may not be conducive to weight control.
Types of Supplements
Supplements can be an important part of a woman’s health
and nutrition program, however certain precautions have to
be taken. The calcium supplements have been linked to the
development of kidney stones or distress experienced in the
digestive system. Also, there might also be some possible
adverse interactions with other medications taken by the woman.
Therefore, before you take any calcium supplements, you should
consult with your physician. You should remember that when
taking calcium supplements the daily recommended dose should
be adhered to.
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