Reconsidering Calcium

(Page 4 of 4)

December 2005/January 2006
By Walter C. Willett, M.D.  
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Get enough vitamin K. This vitamin plays one or more roles in the regulation of calcium and the formation and stabilization of bone, so too little vitamin K may help set the stage for osteoporosis. Eat at least one serving of green leafy vegetables a day, such as dark green lettuce, broccoli, spinach, Brussels sprouts or kale.

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Take a multivitamin that contains vitamin D. This vitamin helps the body absorb calcium and plays an important role in maintaining bone density. A recent study showed that a vitamin D deficiency was much more common among women who had broken a hip than women who had not. Although the evidence isnt totally consistent, extra vitamin D may be an effective way to prevent bone loss. For most people, the easiest way to do this is to take a standard multivitamin supplement.

During and after menopause, women should talk with a trusted health care provider about hormone replacement therapy, one benefit of which is to reduce the risk of osteoporosis. The decision to begin hormone replacement therapy isnt something to take lightly. This is a complicated issue with rapidly changing options. Hormone replacement therapy definitely has clear benefits but also carries some risks. This discussion should focus on weighing the benefits against the risks, because they are different for each individual.

Walter C. Willett, M.D., is chair of the Department of Nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health and a professor of medicine at the Harvard Medical School.

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  • Terry 1/18/2008 1:22:35 PM

    I wish this article would have said what other foods the author
    thought would be a safe alternative for folks to get their calcium
    from. Using the words "variety of sources" is just so ambiguous and
    uninformative. I am also curious as to where the author got their
    information on the calcium tests.

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