h Hints 7 rive “Calcium Stealers” You Should Know About (NAPSA)}—Though public awareness of calcium’s role in preventing cium abserption. “A balanced diet rich in cal- years, many adults still consume only half of the recommended daily intake of 1,060 to 1,200 mg of calcium, according to the National ents, proper exercise and a healthy lifestyle are all ways to keep bones healthy,” says Moss. Moss offers these easy tips for meeting the daily recommended value of calcium: * Hat in small doses. Calcium is absorhed best when consumed in small doses throughout the day. Consumecaleium im 560 mg doses or less for optimal absorption. Think dairy and green. Low fat dairy products, such as skim milk, yogurt, cheese and ice cream and dark green, leafy vegetables are the best food sources of calcium. osteoporosis has increased in recent cium, vitamin D and other nutri- Osteoporesis Foundation. “When you don’t get enough calcium from your diet,” says liymn Moss, M.S., R.D., “the body will take the calcium it needs from your bones, eventualby lead- Fiber beverages, concludes, “We're finding that not Just one but a numberof lifestyle habits may lead to calcium deficiency.” To arm consumers with mformation on bone loss prevention, Moss recommends people know the following “secret stealers” of calcium. 1. Lack of vitamin D. A recent study from Harvard Medical School found that 30 to 40 percent of people in the United States might be vitamin D deficient. Vitamin Dis necessary for the intestinal absorption of calcium. 2, Too much salt. A highsodium diet increases the loss of calcium and other minerals through the kidneys into the urine. Every two extra grams of dietary sodium decreases the amount of calcium absorbed by 30 to 40 mg. & Some preseription drugs. A number of prescription medications have been shown to interfere with calcium absorption, includimg diureties, corticosteroids, anticonvulsants, immuno-suppressive medications, non-steroidal anti- Calcium stealers are more common than you think, toflamamatory drugs, asthma medications with steroids, and a number of antibiotics. Ask your doctor Wf your medication interferes with calcium absorption. 4, Smoking/excessive drinkng. A number of studies have shown smoking accelerates bone loss and contributes to less efficient calcium absorption. In addition, drinking alcohol on a regular basis can break down bone mass in both men and women. Individuals who consumealcohol regularly (2 te 3 oz/day) are more likely to bole ing to bone porosity or osteoporosis.” Moss, nutrition advisor for Optimize Hi-Calcium and Hi- have poor nutrition habits and are at a greater risk for bone loss and fractures dueto falls. 5. Lack of exercise. Individuals who get little or no exercise— especially weight-bearing exercise, such as walking and weightlifting—anod have inadequatecalcium intake, are at risk for calcium depletion from the bones. Extremely high protein intake or excessive consumption of caffeine or soda may also hinder cal- * Try something new. Hat calcium-fortified foods including orange juice, cereals and breads. New Optimize Hi-Calcium beverages are clinically proven in recent studies te provide 50 percent greater absorption of caleium due to its patent-pending, synergistic blend of absorption-aiding and bone building nutrients. As a result, one Optimize Hi-Calcium beverage provides as much absorbed calcium to the body as 2- 4 glasses of milk. Supplement. There are maoy calcium supplements on the market. Make sure you choose one from a quality manufacturer. Nature Made Calcium tablets or CalBurst soft chews are two good choices. For more information, please call the Optimize nutrition hotline at (800) 669-9163 or visit www.optimizenutrition.com.
