Calcium Intake and the Risk of Osteoporosis and Fractures in French Women

Objectives: To evaluate dietary calcium intake in postmenopausal women over 45 years of age and compare intake according to osteoporosis diagnosis and fracture history.

Methods: A cross-sectional epidemiological survey of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women over 45 years in the general population was conducted using a stratified random sampling method and face-to-face interviews. Information was collected on osteoporosis diagnosis, fracture history and risk factors. Information on dietary calcium intake was collected using a validated questionnaire.

Results: Two thousand six hundred and thirty-one women (mean age: 67.9+/-10.0 years) were included. Two hundred and fifty-four (9.7%) had received a diagnosis of osteoporosis by bone densitometry, of whom 154 (45.3%) reported at least one previous fracture. Total mean daily dietary calcium intake was 754 mg/day, of which dairy products (milk, cheese and others) were the principal source. Overall, 37.2% of the sample consumed<600 mg/day and 20.1% >1000 mg/d. The proportion of women consuming <600 mg/day increased with age (p=0.0028). No difference in mean daily calcium intake was observed between women with or without a diagnosis of osteoporosis or with or without fractures.

Conclusions: Mean dietary calcium intake in this population is well below that recommended in current national guidelines (> or =1500 mg/day), notably in those most at risk for fractures, such as women with a diagnosis of osteoporosis or those in older age groups. Intake does not appear to be influenced by osteoporosis diagnosis or fracture experience.