Factors determining calcium intake in elderly women of Appalachia

Background. Although it has been recommended that women aged 65 and older c onsume at least 1,500 mg of calcium daily, no studies are available that de fine the factors associated with adequate intake. Methods. We studied 184 elderly women to determine the relationship between foodstuff calcium consumption and anthropomorphic measurements and numerou s life-style changes. Results. The mean foodstuff calcium consumption was 563.4 mg/day, with sign ificantly higher intake noted in women who snacked daily, did not skip meal s, drank one or more servings of milk daily, and ate yogurt daily. Dietary calcium intake was also dependent oil socioeconomic status and personal att itudes toward milk. Conclusions. All elderly women in this study underachieved the recommended dietary calcium intake of 1,500 mg/day. Widescale public education to promo te more positive attitudes among elderly women is crucial. The evidence fro m this study recommends calcium supplements with vitamin D for virtually al l elderly women.