While most people think of calcium deficiency as a “woman’s problem,” of the 25 million Americans with osteoporosis, one out of every five is a man. The percentage rises as age increases so that after the age of 75, 50 % of those afflicted are men! Often there are complicating factors affecting both men and women in the development of osteoporosis. Some examples are other ongoing disease processes. The use of bone robbing medications, a lifetime of low calcium intake, and other nutritional and lifestyle factors. Each one contributes to the loss of bone mass.

The prevention of osteoporosis in men includes consuming a diet rich in calcium and establishing a daily habit of weight-bearing exercise. The present recommended daily intake of calcium for men 25 to 65 years of age is 1000 milligrams. For men over 65 years of age, the preferable source of calcium is through food. However, individuals unable to meet their daily requirement through diet alone should take a calcium supplement.

Calcium also may have beneficial effects on the following men’s health concerns:

Blood pressure…
While calcium is a well-established cornerstone to osteoporosis prevention, there is a foundation of evidence for a link between blood pressure and calcium also. In some individuals, an adequate intake of dietary calcium may help to control high blood pressure. This means that inadequate calcium can be a contributing factor to a rise in your blood pressure. Blood pressure control is yet another example of where a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and exercise, is a paramount in achieving and maintaining good health.

Kidney stones…
Kidney stones occur more often in men who consume a low calcium diet, according to recent research. Also, men who consume adequate amounts of calcium may have fewer kidney stones. Although further research is needed in this area, the scientific evidence is promising.

Colon cancer…
Some studies implicate calcium as one of many factors on the prevention of colon cancer. While speculative at this point, there clearly is no adverse effect or risk from calcium intake. Researchers continue to work in this area.