DIETARY CALCIUM - ADEQUACY OF A VEGETARIAN DIET

Obtaining sufficient amounts of absorbable dietary calcium to optimize bone density and to protect against bone resorption is a protective m easure to lower the risk of osteoporosis. This goal is difficult in We stern-style diets without the inclusion of dairy foods, fortified food s, or supplements. Lactovegetarians are able to meet recommended calci um intakes and do not have compromised bone mineral densities. Few oth er foods provide concentrated sources of absorbable calcium. Estimates of the absorbable calcium content of several plant foods are provided .