It is estimated that 80% of all women have used oral contraceptives (OCP) some time during their lives. This is a high concern as extensive research has shown OCP to prevent attainment of maximal peak bone mass in young women which may lead to weak bones.
A recent study suggests that women taking oral contraceptives can counteract bone loss by making sure they get enough calcium in their daily diet.
The study examined whether increasing calcium intake could reduce the detrimental effects of OCP use on bone mass in young women. Three groups of a total of 135 young women taking OCP with a dietary calcium intake of less than 800 mg/day were on the trial. The first group continued to intake 800 mg/ day of calcium. The second group increased calcium intake to approximately 1100 mg/ day and the third group increased their calcium intake to approximately 1300 mg /day.
The results showed that increasing calcium intake prevented a negative percentage change in total hip and spine bone mineral density and content in all OCP users.
Good Sources of Calcium:
The mains sources of calcium in the diet are milk, cheese and other dairy products.
Food mg/100g
Skimmed milk powder 1230
Cheese, cheddar 800
Sardines 550
Tofu 506
Dried figs 280
Evaporated milk 260
Watercress 220
Natural yoghurt 200
Milk, whole 103
Peanuts, roasted 61
Bread, wholemeal 54
Eggs 52
Fish, white 22
Calcium Supplement
Quest Calcium with Vitamin D
3 tablets provide 1000 mg Calcium
