Calcium intake not sufficient in Indians; only half of what is required for healthy bones

GREATER KAILASH, India - June 4, 2018 - PRLog -- According to a recently launched global map of dietary calcium intake, Indian adults consume only half the amount of calcium required for healthy bones. Launched by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF), it indicates that the average calcium intake is only 429 mg per day against the requirement of 800 to 1000 mg per day. There is a need to create awareness about the effects of not taking in enough dietary calcium.

Calcium is a major component of bones, accounting for about 30% to 35% of the mass and strength. Low calcium intake has been linked to lower bone-mineral density, which increases the risk of osteoporosis and broken bones.

Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, President, HCFI, said, "The calcium intake of a person varies at each stage of life. The requirements are especially high in the teenage years due to the rapid growth of the skeleton, and at older age, when the body's ability to absorb calcium declines. In older adults, there is bone loss at the rate of about 1% per year, resulting in calcium loss of approximately 15 g per year. Bones are empty and in a typically adult male, the whole skeleton weighs less than 3 kg. Everyone builds bone up to the age of 30, and then, the process of bone resorption begins. It is, therefore, important for children to build strong bones so that they are not susceptible to fractures when they grow old."

The most widely available calcium supplements are calcium carbonate and calcium citrate. Calcium carbonate is cheapest. Calcium carbonate absorption is better when taken with meals; in comparison, calcium citrate is well absorbed in the fasting state. Calcium carbonate is also poorly absorbed in patients taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 blockers. One usually recommends calcium citrate as a first-line calcium supplement in these patients.

Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, who is also the Group Editor of IJCP, said, "Adequate calcium intake comes from milk, curd and paneer. Ideally one should take a glass of milk in the morning and a glass of milk in the evening and curd and paneer in the afternoon for adequate calcium intake. Calcium is also present in pulses such as Black gram – urad daal and sesame seeds. Calcium is also present in chuna taken with paan but it may not be a completely absorbable form of calcium."

Some more tips from HCFI.

·  It is important to get enough Vitamin D as it helps in the absorption of calcium.

·  Some sources of this vitamin include milk, fortified orange juice, mushrooms, and egg yolk.

·  Get enough physical activity for about 30 minutes each day. There are exercises that can help increase bone strength and improve balance and coordination.

·  Limit the intake of caffeine as this can decrease the absorption of calcium

·  If you smoke or drink, it is a good idea to quit both these habits.

Ends

About Heart Care Foundation of India

Initiated in 1986, the Heart Care Foundation of India is a leading National NGO working in the field of creating mass health awareness among people from all walks of life and providing solutions for India's everyday healthcare needs. The NGO uses consumer-based entertainment modules to impart health education and increase awareness amongst people. A leading example of this is the Perfect Health Mela; an annual event started in 1993 that is attended by over 1 lakh people each year. The Mela showcases activities across categories such as health education seminars and check-ups, entertainment programs, lifestyle exhibitions, lectures, workshops, and competitions. In addition to this, the NGO conducts programs and camps to train people on the technique of hands only CPR through its CPR 10 mantra for revival after a sudden cardiac arrest. They currently hold three Limca book of world records for the maximum number of people trained in hands-only CPR in one go. Keeping article 21 of the Indian Constitution in mind, which guarantees a person Right to Life, Heart Care Foundation of India has a project called the Sameer Malik Heart Care Foundation Fund to ensure that no one dies of a heart disease just because they cannot afford treatment.

For more information, please contact

Heart Care Foundation of India

Sanjeev Khanna-9871079105

Md Adib Ahmed- 9873716235

Email- media.hcfi@gmail.com