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Is Calcium Linked To Kidney Stones?
Most kidney stones are made
of calcium and a substance
called oxalate. In the past,
a diet rich in calcium and
some other nutrients was not
recommended for people
who tended to form stones.
But today, experts agree
that eating the recommended
amount of calcium
through food sources is safe.
In fact, not getting enough
calcium actually increases
the risk of kidney stones.
What’s less clear is the
role that calcium supplements
should play. Experts
don’t agree whether taking
calcium supplements
increases risk.
So if you’re prone to
kidney stones, how much
calcium should you have in
your diet? Unless your doctor
recommends otherwise,
experts generally suggest a
middle-of-the-road approach,
following national guidelines.
Here are recommendations
from the National Institutes
of Health:
- Men and women ages 25 to 50 should get 1,000 milligrams of calcium a day.
- Women who take estrogen should get 1,000 milligrams a day. Women age 51 and older who don't take estrogen need 1,500 milligrams a day.
- Men ages 51 to 64 should consume 1,000 milligrams a day. Men age 65 and older should take 1,500 milligrams a day.
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