Prevention and management of osteoporosis: consensus statements from the Scientific Advisory Board of the Osteoporosis Society of Canada. 4. Calcium nutrition and osteoporosis.

OBJECTIVE: To recommend appropriate levels of calcium intake in light of the most recent studies.

OPTIONS: Dietary calcium intake, calcium supplementation, calcium and vitamin D supplementation; ovarian hormone therapy in postmenopausal women.

OUTCOMES: Fracture and loss of bone mineral density in osteoporosis; increased bone mass, prevention of fractures and improved quality of life associated with osteoporosis prevention.

EVIDENCE: Relevant clinical studies and reports were examined, in particular those published since the 1988 Osteoporosis Society of Canada position paper on calcium nutrition. Only studies in humans were considered, including controlled, randomized trials and prospective studies, using bone mass and fractures as end-points. Studies in early and later phases of skeletal growth were noted. The analysis was designed to eliminate menopause as a confounding variable.

VALUES: Preventing osteoporosis and maximizing quality of life were given a high value.

BENEFITS, HARMS AND COSTS: Adequate calcium nutrition increases bone mineral density during skeletal growth and prevents bone loss and osteoporotic fractures in the elderly. Risks associated with high dietary calcium intake are low, and a recent study extends this conclusion to the risk of kidney stones. Lactase-deficient patients may substitute yogurt and lactase-treated milk for cow's milk. True milk allergy is probably rare; its promotion of diabetes mellitus in susceptible people is being studied.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Current recommended intakes of calcium are too low. Revised intake guidelines designed to reduce bone loss and protect against osteoporotic fractures are suggested. Canadians should attempt to meet their calcium requirements principally through food sources. Pharmaceutical calcium supplements and a dietician's advice should be considered where dietary preferences or lactase deficiency restrict consumption of dairy foods. Further research is necessary before recommending the general use of calcium supplements by adolescents. Calcium supplementation cannot substitute for hormone therapy in the prevention of postmenopausal bone loss and fractures. Adequate amounts of vitamin D are necessary for optimal calcium absorption and bone health. Elderly people and those who use heavy sun screens should have a dietary intake of 400 to 800 IU of vitamin D per day.