For an 80-year-old individual, calcium supplements may be beneficial for supporting bone health, especially as the risk of osteoporosis increases with age. It's essential to maintain adequate calcium intake to help preserve bone density and reduce the risk of fractures.

Older adults are often recommended to ensure they get enough calcium, either through diet or supplements, because they may experience reduced calcium absorption and increased bone resorption. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for calcium for men and women aged 71 and older is about 1,200 mg per day¹.

However, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement regime, as they can provide personalized advice based on individual health needs and conditions. This is particularly crucial because taking excessive calcium can pose risks, such as kidney stones or cardiovascular issues².

If you are interested in specific calcium supplement products, feel free to ask, and I can help you find some options.

Footnotes

1. National Institutes of Health, "Calcium: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals," NIH, 2021. ↩

2. Carolyn J. Crandall, "Comparative Effectiveness of Drug Treatments to Prevent Fragility Fractures," Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 2020. ↩