Calcium intake of service house residents – when are supplements needed?

PurposeCalcium has beneficial effects in preventing osteoporosis and fractures among older adults but supplements may have adverse effects if calcium accumulates in the arteries. Aim was to examine total calcium intake from food and supplements of older residents in service houses and assess whether the use of supplements was directed appropriately.Subjects and methodsResidents in service houses in the metropolitan region of Helsinki, Finland. Residents’ calcium intake was calculated from one-day food diaries. Use of calcium supplements was retrieved from medical records.ResultsIn total, 350 service house residents participated. Their mean age was 83 years; 82% were females. According to the MNA, 21% suffered from malnutrition. The mean dietary calcium intake of females was 1113 mg per day. Including food and supplements, their mean intake was 1441 mg. The corresponding figures for males were 1224 mg and 1528 mg. Of all residents, 13% had a total daily calcium intake from food and supplements that was < 800 mg, 29% 800–1200 mg, and 59% > 1200 mg. More than one-third (37%) of the residents used calcium supplements daily. Of those having calcium intake from food < 800 mg, only 32% were administered calcium supplements. The respective proportions among groups in which calcium intake from food was 800–1200 mg, 1200–1500 mg, or > 1500 mg were 37%, 43%, and 36%.ConclusionsDietary intake of calcium should be evaluated and administration of calcium supplements should be directed to those whose intake of calcium from food is low.