Daily Column

April 29th, 2008

DEAR DR. GOTT:
A friend of mine who is a nurse told me that our bodies can only absorb 300 units of calcium at a time and anything more will be wasted. As a result, she cuts her 600 mg tablet in half and takes four halves at different times during the day. Is she correct, and if so, why can’t we buy 300 mg tablets? I don’t believe I have seen that low a dosage on the market.

DEAR READER:
I am unaware of any authority that states only 300 mg of calcium can be absorbed at a time. However, I see no harm in your friend’s practice.

I am unfamiliar with any calcium marketed in a lower dose than 600 mg. This is probably due to the fact that the daily recommended daily dose is 1200 mg. Most people would prefer to take one or two pills rather than three or four every day.

I also recommend you to take a calcium supplement with vitamin D added. This vitamin is important for the body’s absorption of calcium. The daily recommended dosage is 400 international for those 51-70 and 600 international units for those over 71. This amount can often be achieved by taking two calcium plus D supplement pills.

If you still have concerns, speak with your primary care physician or gynecologist.