Background Information Calcium is an essential nutrient needed for bone development and maintenance. It is the most abundant mineral in the body, accounting for 1 to 2% of adult body weight.
Effects on Health Calcium deserves special attention because of its role in bone health and osteoporosis. It has also been shown to protect against hypertension and may protect against certain cancers. Calcium is of particular concern among female athletes because many do not consume adequate amounts of this mineral. The new Adequate Intake (AI) for calcium is 1300 mg/d for ages 9-18 yrs and 1000 mg/d for ages 19-50 yrs. The No Observed Adverse Effects Level (NOAEL) for calcium is 1500 mg/d and the Lowest Observed Adverse Effect Level (LOAEL) for calcium is 2500 mg/d. Many female athletes have dietary calcium intakes that are less than 1000 mg/d. Setting the calcium supplement range at 500-1000 mg/d would be appropriate for most female athletes. Because male athletes typically consume adequate amounts of dietary calcium, supplemental intake of 500 mg/d appears appropriate assuming the diet provides a fair amount of calcium. Effects on Performance Long-term low intake levels of calcium affect both bone mass and muscular contraction.
Supplement Range
Supplement range for calcium of 500-1000 mg/d for female athletes and 500 mg/d for male athletes.
09/03/2008
D.C. United (MLS)
2
Charleston Battery (USL1)
1
08/21/2008
U.S. Women
1
Brazil Women
0
08/20/2008
U.S. Men
1
Guatemala
0
U.S. Men vs. Cuba
Live on ESPN Classic and Galavision
09/06/2008 8:00 PM ET
U.S. Men vs. Trinidad & Tobago
Live on ESPN2 and Galavision
09/10/2008 7:00 PM CT
U.S. Men vs. Cuba
ESPN Classic, Galavision
10/11/2008 7:00 PM ET
U.S. Men vs. Cuba
09/06/2008 8:00 PM ET
Estado Pedro Marrero; Havana, Cuba
Calcium
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