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Nutrition News Alerts

Calcium and Beyond: Dairy Foods, Fruits and Vegetables May Help with Bone Fractures and Hypertension

Consumption of dairy foods has benefits beyond bone health, including possibly lowering the risk of high blood pressure.

Researchers from the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom (UK) looked at the association of dietary calcium and other potential bone building nutrients – protein, vitamin D, vitamin C, retinol, carotene, potassium and magnesium - with the risk of fracture rates. Lifestyle and food frequency questionnaires were completed at baseline and again at 5 years in this large prospective study including 34,696 British men and women ages 20 to 89.

Results showed an increase in fracture risk of women whose daily calcium intake was below 525 mg per day when compared to women with a calcium intake of at least 1200 mg per day, with the greatest risk seen in women younger than 50.  The researchers did not observe an association between any of the other nutrients analyzed and fracture risk. A recent research review published in the Journal of Nutrition, indicates that increased calcium as well as potassium and protein intakes can positively affect bone health. Both articles highlight the importance of calcium’s role in bone health and emphasize a calcium-rich diet. The authors in the Journal of Nutrition review call out the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Diet, for promoting optimal bone health. It is a calcium-rich diet that emphasizes lowfat dairy foods, fruits and vegetables.  

Key T, et al. Calcium, diet and fracture risk: a prospective study of 1898 incident fractures among 34 696 British women and men. Public Health Nutrition. 2007; 10:1314-1320.

Tylavksy F, et al. The Importance of Calcium, Potassium, and Acid-Base Homeostasis in Bone Health and Osteoporosis Prevention. Journal of Nutrition. 2008; 138: 164S-165S.

{Scientific synopsis provided by Barbara Baron, MS, RD, CDN, ADADC, Inc.}