A Study of the Minimum Calcium Requirements of Adult Men

Abstract

It is emphasized that very critical examination of dietary standards in terms of costs and benefits is necessary in countries with short food supplies. Unrealistic recommendations are dangerous and serve no useful purpose. Calcium excretions were studied in 10 adult male volunteers at several levels of calcium intake. These men were apparently healthy but had consumed diets of fairly low calcium content over long periods of time. The average estimated calcium requirement to maintain balance in these men was between 100 and 200 mg per day, depending on the method of calculation. Evidence is presented that the maintenance requirement is related to calcium reserves. These results are discussed in the light of prior estimates of calcium requirement. It is believed that all estimates of calcium requirements represent primarily a study of the previous dietary calcium intake. A review of the literature reveals no solid evidence that calcium deficiency occurs in adult males. The minimum calcium requirement of adult males is probably so low that deficiency is unlikely on most natural diets. When calcium supplies are limited, little effort should be made to increase the consumption of calcium by men. Available calcium should be reserved for children and women in the childbearing age.