CALCIUM-ENHANCED OSTEOPOROSIS DIET

PURPOSE

This diet is designed to prevent or minimize the loss of bone that may occur due to aging or calcium deficiency.

DESCRIPTION

This diet plan provides at least 1500 to 1800 mg of calcium per day. A high calcium intake is achieved by increasing servings of milk and dairy products and other foods containing appreciable amounts of calcium. Excessive amounts of fiber, protein, caffeine, alcohol, and sodium may inhibit calcium absorption or increase urinary excretion of calcium and should be limited. Weight-bearing exercises increase calcium retention and are encouraged.

BASIC INFORMATION

A high calcium diet has been found to increase retention of calcium in the bone. Several studies clearly show that a high calcium intake can help reduce the number of fractures that may occur. To achieve a high calcium diet, the regular diet can be followed with the addition of the suggestions below to boost calcium intake to 1500–1800 mg daily. Vitamin D is also important for calcium absorption in the body: 400 to 1000 IU of Vitamin D is needed daily for maximum calcium uptake.

NUTRITIONAL ADEQUACY

This diet is designed to provide adequate amounts of calories, protein, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to meet the needs of healthy adults.

Food Lists:
All foods are allowed on this diet, in moderation. High calcium foods are listed below and should be added liberally to the diet. In addition, the suggestions below can also help increase calcium in the diet.

• Add 1/3 cup to 1/2 cup nonfat dry milk to recipes for pancakes, breads, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, puddings, cookies, cakes, and other foods. The milk powder can be blended into the other dry ingredients (flour, sugar, etc.) or added along with the water or liquid milk.
• Substitute plain yogurt for the sour cream or mayonnaise in recipes, dips, dressings, and toppings.
• Choose spinach, romaine, and other dark-colored salad greens instead of iceberg lettuce.
• Use milk or buttermilk instead of water to reconstitute canned soups, dry cereal such as Cream of Wheat and oatmeal, instant mashed potatoes, pancakes or waffles from a mix, and salad dressing mixes.
• Select pudding, frozen yogurt, ice milk or ice cream, custard, or milk/yogurt fruit smoothies as high calcium snacks and desserts.
• Use calcium-fortified commercial products such as orange juice, pasta, and ready-to-eat cereals.
• Add milk or evaporated milk to coffee instead of cream or for convenience, use nonfat dry milk powder rather than nondairy creamer.
• Select milk-based coffee drinks such as café latte, café au lait, or cappuccino; request fat-free milk or low-fat milk to reduce total fat and caloric intake.
• Top casseroles, omelets, toast, baked potatoes, and steamed vegetables with shredded cheddar, Swiss, or mozzarella cheese for a calcium boost. Use low-fat cheese to reduce total fat intake.

High Calcium Foods (Use low-fat or fat-free products, where available)

Special Notes: