What is the recommended daily calcium intake for a 68-year-old male?

Recommended Daily Calcium Intake for a 68-Year-Old Male

For a 68-year-old male, the recommended daily calcium intake is 1,200 mg per day. 1

Calcium Requirements for Older Men

The recommended calcium intake for men varies by age:

• Men 19-70 years: 1,000 mg per day
• Men over 70 years: 1,200 mg per day 2, 1

At 68 years old, the recommended intake is 1,200 mg daily, as the most recent guidelines from the American College of Physicians, National Institutes of Health, and American Academy of Family Physicians have updated recommendations to include men over 65 in the higher intake category 1.

Sources of Calcium

Dietary Sources (Preferred)

• Dietary calcium is the preferred source because it has better absorption, fewer side effects, and contains additional beneficial nutrients 1
• Assume approximately 300 mg of calcium comes from non-dairy sources daily (vegetables and grains) 2
• Dairy products provide about 70% of dietary calcium for most adults 2

Calcium Supplements

• Supplements should be considered only when dietary intake falls below the recommended level 1
• If supplements are needed:
  • Take in divided doses (no more than 500-600 mg at once) for better absorption
  • Calcium carbonate (40% elemental calcium) should be taken with meals
  • Calcium citrate (21% elemental calcium) may be better for those on acid-reducing medications 2, 1

Important Considerations

Upper Limit

• The upper intake level for men over 50 is 2,000 mg per day 2, 1
• Exceeding this amount should be avoided due to potential risks

Vitamin D

• Vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption
• Recommended daily intake for men 68 years old is 800 IU 1
• Target blood level for vitamin D should be 30 ng/mL or higher 1

Potential Risks of Calcium Supplementation

• Excessive supplementation (>2,000 mg daily) can increase risk of kidney stones 1
• Some studies suggest potential cardiovascular risks with calcium supplements, though evidence remains inconsistent 2
• Common side effects include constipation and bloating 2

Lifestyle Factors for Optimal Bone Health

• Regular weight-bearing exercise (30 minutes daily) helps maintain bone density
• Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol consumption
• Fall prevention measures can reduce fracture risk 1

Monitoring Recommendations

• Bone mineral density testing should be done every 1-2 years for those at risk of osteoporosis
• FRAX assessment should be considered to guide treatment decisions 1

Following these calcium intake recommendations, along with appropriate vitamin D supplementation and lifestyle modifications, will help maintain bone health and reduce fracture risk in older men.