Expert: Suzanne Rose Lubkowski - 2/3/2004

Question
 hi!  i need to ask about calcium. now, every web site says to take 1,000 mg of it a day, but common sense tells me the body can't possibly absorb that much. why is it that they tell you to take more then your body can absorb in one day? how much calicum can it actually absorb in one 24 hr. period, on average? thank you!

Answer
Hi James -- thank you for your interesting question.  You are correct that the medical field recommends 1000-1200 mg of calcium each day.  I believe the answer may lie in the absorption level.  It is obvious that the rate of osteoporosis and bone loss as we age is at a high level; so we as a society are not getting the amount of calcium needed to present this.  The science points to this amount needed -- I am with a very reputable company that bases its work on science.  In addition, modern society's diets and lifestyles also affect the absorption level of calcium -- particularly that which we get from dairy and other sources.   Hope this helps,   Best,   Suzanne