If you have crossed the age of 30, it is most likely that you have been told it's time to start taking calcium supplements, and in all probability, you already are popping them to avoid weak bones as you age. But it isn't as simple as it sounds- calcium supplements may be a double-edged sword. The daily requirement of calcium for women aged 19-50 years is 1000 mg, 51-70 years is 1200 mg and 70 plus years is 1200 mg. A healthy, varied diet is likely to provide this for most people.
It is possible to increase calcium levels through diet alone. Dr. MRCOG (UK), MD, Consultant Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Super Speciality Hospital explains, "Too much calcium has risks. The general advice is that patients should not self-prescribe calcium supplements, but should aim to obtain their calcium requirement (700-1000 mg/day) from a balanced diet." In fact, ingesting too much calcium in a misguided…
