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Updated: May 9, 2026
11:30
A Semi-Automated and Reproducible Biological-Based Method to Quantify Calcium Deposition In Vitro
Published on: June 2, 2022
Calcium supplements: do they help or harm?
Joann E Manson1, Shari S Bassuk
1From the Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
Menopause (New York, N.Y.)
|July 25, 2013
Summary
Women should prioritize dietary calcium for bone health, supplementing only if necessary. Current guidelines suggest 1,000-1,200 mg daily, but supplements carry potential risks like cardiovascular issues and kidney stones.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Current calcium intake recommendations aim to ensure bone health in women.
- Established daily calcium requirements are 1,000 mg for women aged 19-50 and 1,200 mg for women over 50.
Purpose of the Study:
- To advise women on meeting calcium recommendations amidst concerns about supplement risks.
- To emphasize dietary sources of calcium over supplementation.
Main Methods:
- Review of current calcium intake guidelines.
- Consideration of emerging research on calcium supplement risks (cardiovascular disease, kidney stones).
Main Results:
- Dietary calcium intake is recommended as the primary method to achieve recommended daily allowances.
- Calcium supplements should be used judiciously, only to bridge the gap to the recommended daily intake.
- The required supplemental calcium is often around 500 mg per day.
Conclusions:
- Women should focus on calcium-rich foods to meet bone health needs.
- Supplementation should be a secondary strategy, used cautiously due to potential health risks.
- Informed choices regarding calcium intake balance bone health benefits with potential adverse effects.
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