From the Guidelines
For a 56-year-old male, the recommended daily intake of vitamin D is 400 to 800 IU/day and 1500 mg/day of elemental calcium. According to the American Gastroenterological Association medical position statement 1, men over age 50 require up to 1500 mg/day of elemental calcium, and Vitamin D 400 to 800 IU/day is usually an adequate replacement dose in healthy individuals. Key points to consider:
- Vitamin D and calcium supplementation should be given to those deemed to be at high risk for osteoporosis or with proven osteoporosis 1.
- The recommended daily intake of vitamin D can be obtained from many multivitamin preparations 1.
- It is essential to maintain adequate calcium intake to prevent osteoporosis and maintain bone density, which becomes increasingly important with age.
- Regular monitoring of vitamin D levels through blood tests can help determine the need for supplementation, and it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider before starting supplements, especially if there are underlying kidney issues or potential interactions with medications.
From the Research
Recommended Daily Intake of Vitamin D and Calcium
The recommended daily intake amounts of Vitamin D and calcium for a 56-year-old male are as follows:
- Vitamin D:
- 600 to 800 IU as suggested by the Institute of Medicine guidelines 2
- 800 to 1,000 IU, and perhaps as high as 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 as recommended by some studies 2, 3
- 400-800 IU (10-20 microg) daily for people aged 65 years or over, as recommended in Europe 4
- 800 IU per day, as advocated in most guidelines 5
- At least 600 IU per day, up to 1000 IU/day, for individuals older than 70 years 6
- Calcium:
- At least 1,000 mg of calcium per day for optimal bone health, and 1,200 mg may be needed in certain populations 2
- 700-800 mg/day for the elderly population, above age 65, as recommended by the European Community 4
- 1,200 mg per day, as recommended by the American Institute of Medicine (IOM) 3
- 500 mg per day, to achieve a total intake of 1,200 mg, or in some 1,000 mg per day, as recommended by some studies 5
- 1200 mg per day, as recommended for individuals older than 70 years 6