Calcium supplement use by African American women

Inadequate calcium intake is more common among women belonging to racial and ethnic minorities. This study examined the patterns and characteristics associated with calcium supplement use or nonuse among African American women, and the potential impact of physician recommendation on calcium supplementation.

African American women aged 19 to 65, attending community outreach activities sponsored by a multispecialty academic medical center in northeastern Ohio, completed a calcium supplement survey. Survey items included demographic and bone health-related information, and rationale for calcium supplement use or nonuse.

Of 160 respondents, 14% of women regularly took calcium supplements, 16% were former users, and 70% never used calcium supplements. Characteristics associated with calcium use status included age, multivitamin use, and marital status. Few African American women recall discussions with their doctors about calcium intake. Most who formerly took calcium supplements and most who had never taken them were willing to do so if recommended by their physician.

Calcium supplement use among African American women in this study was low. However, many of the barriers to calcium supplement use by African American women appear remediable through brief calcium intake counseling by their physician.