Since bones deteriorate with age, it makes sense to take in more calcium as we get older to lower the risk of fractures. But how much is enough? The latest report from Swedish researchers suggests that for postmenopausal women, anywhere from about 700 to 900 mg of calcium a day is ideal for preventing bone fractures. Higher levels than that had no additional impact on fracture risk. The scientists studied more than 60,000 women who reported their dietary and supplemental calcium intake as well as their fracture rates over 19 years. Women who got less than 750 mg of calcium per…
To read this article in its entirety, pick up a copy of TIME magazine at your local newsstand or download the TIME iPad app. Or, to have TIME magazine delivered to your door every week, subscribe. Print subscribers to the U.S. edition of TIME can access the iPad edition FREE for the length of their current print subscription term.