From the Research
A 96-year-old female in long-term care needs approximately 1,200 mg of calcium daily, as recommended by the most recent and highest quality study 1. This recommendation aligns with the general calcium requirements for older women over 70 years of age.
Key Considerations
- The calcium can be obtained through a combination of dietary sources and supplements if necessary.
- Good dietary sources include:
- Dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese)
- Fortified plant milks
- Leafy green vegetables
- Calcium-set tofu
- If supplements are needed, calcium citrate may be better absorbed than calcium carbonate, especially for older adults who often have decreased stomach acid.
- The supplement should be divided into doses of no more than 500-600 mg at a time for optimal absorption.
- Adequate vitamin D (800-1000 IU daily) is also essential for calcium absorption and utilization, as supported by a systematic review and meta-analysis 1.
Importance of Calcium and Vitamin D
This calcium requirement helps maintain bone health and reduce fracture risk, which is particularly important in long-term care settings where fall risk and osteoporosis concerns are heightened. Regular assessment of calcium intake and bone health status is recommended as part of ongoing care, as emphasized in a study on secondary prevention of osteoporosis 2.