Attaining optimal bone status: lessons from the 1997 National Nutrition Survey

To examine the adequacy of calcium intake in relation to current recommendations, demographic differences in calcium intake and dietary sources in the New Zealand population.

24-hour diet recall and qualitative food frequency data from the 1997 New Zealand National Nutrition Survey (NNS97) were used.

No age-gender subgroups had median intakes meeting the latest (1998) US recommendations. Women's median intakes failed to meet even the considerably lower 1990 Australian recommendations. 20% of New Zealanders and one in four women had intakes below the UK Estimated Average Requirements for calcium. Intakes below the UK Lower Reference Nutrient Intake (the level at which the risk of deficiency is virtually 100%) were common (15-20%) among women aged 15-18 years, those living in the most deprived areas or Maori. Milk and milk products were the major sources of the nation's calcium intake.

Although other factors such as genetics, hormonal status, vitamin D status and exercise influence skeletal health, adequate calcium intakes are important in minimizing bone loss. A reduction in the proportion of New Zealanders with inadequate calcium intakes will most readily be achieved if more people meet the milk products Dietary Guideline (minimum of two servings daily). Health professionals can play an important role in raising perceptions of the benefits of adequate calcium intakes, promoting the milk products Dietary Guideline, and emphasising that lower fat diets can include adequate calcium through use of reduced fat milk products.