Who may be at risk for calcium deficiency?
There are several groups of people who are at increased risk for calcium deficiency. • Post-menopausal women: After menopause, females produce a lower level of a hormone called estrogen. Less estrogen in the body increases bone loss and decreases calcium absorption. As a result of these changes, post-menopausal women need extra calcium Lactose intolerant individuals: People with lactose intolerance do not have the enzyme to break down a sugar in milk called lactose. This may prevent some individuals with lactose intolerance from consuming milk products, causing them to be at increased risk for calcium deficiency. Those with lactose intolerance can consume lactose-free milk and other milk products that contain less lactose in them. Vegans: Vegans are individuals who do not eat any sources of animal products. Vegans require alternative sources of calcium (e.g. calcium-fortified foods and milk alternatives) to prevent the risk of becoming calcium deficient over time. Who might benefit fro
