High Calcium Intake May Actually Increase Risk of Hip Fractures

A newly published Swedish study of over 61,000 women who were followed for more than 19 years provides the strongest evidence to date that high calcium intake is not beneficial for preventing bone fractures. The exceptions are women with very low amounts of calcium and vitamin D in their diet. Women in the top 25 percent of calcium intake showed no reduced risk of fractures or osteoporosis. Instead, they actually showed a 19 percent increase in hip fractures. The lowest fracture risk was found in women with total calcium intake of about 800 mg per day. 

Women who breast-feed have a lower risk of hip fractures later in life.

There are many benefits of breast feeding both to the baby and to the mother.  Women who breast feed are less likely to develop osteoporosis and therefore less likely later in life to fracture bones. Because falls in later life often result in fractured hips, we can say, that one way to help prevent fractured hips when you are older is to breast feed when you are younger. Pretty neat!

PositiveTip: For expecting mothers, plan on breast feeding! There are big benefits to mom and baby.