Prevention and treatment of deficiency diseases with milk and dairy products

Milk and dairy products are the main sources of calcium in western countries. In contrast, most calcium ingested in eastern and black African countries comes from vegetables and fish. Calcium is necessary for optimal bone metabolism and for many other biological systems. Recommended daily calcium intake differs among countries and even among institutions. Daily intake should be at least 1000 mg after the age of 10-12 years, and 1200-1500 mg/day for adolescents (14-18 years), pregnant women, and men over 65. There is no added benefit beyond 2000 mg, but intake should not fall below 700-800 mg/day. Three servings of dairy products are needed to meet recommended daily calcium intake. The importance of calcium in the management of osteoporosis is controversial. However, experts agree on the need to correct calcium deficiency, especially when associated with vitamin D deficiency Calcium and vitamin D supplementation is essential to prevent fractures in deficient elderly subjects. Calcium and vitamin D should be systematically added to treatments for patients with established osteoporosis and for those with risk factors.