The bones of the human skeleton contain 99.5% of the total calcium in the body. The calcium within bones is available to the body should the body need it for other purposes (see the chapter on the symptoms of hyperparathyroidism for more on this topic). It is the activity of bone osteoclasts which absorb the calcium in the bone and release it into the blood stream (more about this on our parathyroid and osteoporosis page). Remember, it is the calcium within the bones which makes them strong.

The daily recommended dietary calcium intake varies by age, sex, and menopausal status. Recent studies have shown that many American girls do not get enough calcium in their diet after the age of 11. Much of this is blamed upon the substitution of sodas in the diet for milk, yet the problem does not seem to be the same for males (for a number of subtle reasons).  It is important to know that many women of all ages in the US do not get enough calcium in their diet either.  The vast majority of endocrinologists encourage their female patients to take supplemental calcium daily.  One of the easiest and most effective methods of increasing your calcium intake is to take an oral calcium supplement daily.  There are several forms of oral calcium readily available over the counter (without a perscription) such as Citracal which can help maintain healthy bones and prevent osteoporosis.  The following list shows the recommended calcium intake according to age, sex and hormone status.

Source: National Institutes of Health Consensus Panel, Optimal Calcium Intake, 1994.