Barriers to calcium intake in African-American women

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine dietary intake o f calcium, intake of food components known to inhibit calcium bioavailabili ty, demographic factors related to calcium intake, and the knowledge needs and barriers related to calcium consumption among low-income African-Americ an women in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Methods: Ninety subjects were interviewed at local grocery stores. Calcium intake was determined using a 24-h recall. In addition, a survey was admini stered to the subjects to determine knowledge needs and barriers towards ca lcium consumption. Results: Subjects' mean dietary calcium intake was below the recommended di etary allowance (RDA), with 80% of the subjects having a calcium intake bel ow 75% of the RDA. In addition, intakes of protein and sodium were above th e recommended amounts. The general knowledge of the subjects concerning the role of calcium in osteoporosis was high, but this did not have an effect on the consumption of products containing calcium. The most important barri ers to dairy product intake were perceived negative taste, perceived associ ation with digestion problems and the perception that they already had adeq uate intake. Conclusion: Inadequate calcium intake in African-American women is affected by many factors including their lack of awareness of actual consumption. N utrition education programmes need to address these factors.