How well you absorb calcium is important for limiting hip fracture risk

Two recent studies suggest that when consuming a low-calcium diet, low efficiency of calcium absorption (measured as fractional calcium absorption) is a problem in the elderly; this is also an important risk factor for hip fracture. These studies show that elderly women are less able to compensate for low calcium intake by increasing calcium absorption and that within that age group, those who are least able to adapt are more likely to experience hip fractures. A novel explanation for this phenomenon is that a genetic predisposition for low calcium absorption efficiency exists that can be alleviated by a simple dietary change--improved calcium intake.