High Calcium Intake Does Not Protect From Bone Fracture

A high intake of calcium may not offer more protection from bone fractures, according to a study published online in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. Researchers measured calcium intake and the number of bone fractures in 6,210 participants who consume plant-based diets from the China Health and Nutrition Survey. Calcium intakes ranging from 275-780 mg/d and 250-650 mg/d for men and women, respectively, were found to be the most protective, with no added benefits for consuming above that range. The authors conclude that a plant-based diet may be associated with lower requirements for calcium intake for bone health, compared with Westernized diets, and suggest that dietary policies reflect this in countries where most of the population's diet is lower in animal products.