Addressing Declining Calcium Intake: Vital for Strong Bones and Optimal Health
2025-06-24 04:06:46
In recent years, growing concerns have emerged regarding the declining levels of calcium intake in the United States, highlighting a troubling pattern that demands immediate attention. A new study emphasizes the critical need to address this issue, especially among at-risk populations such as children, older adults, and non-Hispanic Black Americans.
**Key Insights:**
**Trending Downward:**
Although there was an upward trend in calcium consumption in previous years, recent data shows a steady decline. This is alarming because calcium plays a vital role in maintaining strong bones and teeth, as well as supporting muscle function and nerve signaling. Almost all calcium in the body is stored in bones and teeth, where it acts as a key structural component.
**Demographic Disparities:**
Certain groups consistently show lower calcium intake. Adults aged 60 and above, along with non-Hispanic Black Americans, report some of the lowest levels of dietary calcium. These disparities point to the need for targeted strategies to ensure equitable access to essential nutrients.
**Youth at Risk:**
Children between the ages of 9 and 18 are particularly at risk, as their calcium intake has dropped significantly. Adequate calcium during adolescence is crucial for building peak bone mass, which is essential for long-term skeletal health.
**Additional Insights:**
Milk, yogurt, and cheese remain the primary sources of calcium for most Americans. However, even when including calcium from supplements, a large portion of the population still falls short. For instance, 61% of women and 30% of men over 19 years old in the U.S. do not meet their daily calcium requirements. Given its importance for bone strength, muscle movement, and nerve function, this shortfall is deeply concerning.
To combat this, it's important to increase calcium intake through diet or supplements. Foods like salmon, kale, broccoli, and dairy products can help boost calcium levels, while high-quality calcium supplements may also be beneficial.
**Discover Nutrient Solutions:**
At Balchem, we understand that strong bones are essential for overall health and vitality. That’s why we offer advanced calcium solutions designed for better absorption and performance. Specialty calcium forms like Calcium Bisglycinate Chelate and Calcium Citrate Malate have been shown to be more easily absorbed by the body compared to traditional calcium salts like Calcium Carbonate. Our Albion Calcium products are ideal for brands looking to deliver superior calcium benefits in a variety of applications.
**Contact Us**
If you're looking for effective ways to support bone health, reach out to us today. We’re here to help you find the best options for your needs.
**References:**
1. Office of Dietary Supplements – Calcium. Accessed April 17, 2024. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-Consumer/
2. Food Surveys Research Group : USDA ARS. Accessed February 22, 2024. https://www.ars.usda.gov/northeast-area/beltsville-md-bhnrc/beltsville-human-nutrition-research-center/food-surveys-research-group/
3. Heaney RP, Recker RR, Weaver CM. Absorbability of calcium sources: the limited role of solubility. *Calcif Tissue Int*. 1990;46(5):300-304. doi:10.1007/BF02563819
4. Smith KT, Heaney RP, Flora L, Hinders SM. Calcium absorption from a new calcium delivery system (CCM). *Calcif Tissue Int*. 1987;41(6):351-352. doi:10.1007/BF02556676
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