Status of Dietary Intake of Calcium in Women of Reproductive Age in Delhi, India

Background: Calcium (Ca) plays an important role in bone formation. Attaining optimal bone mass and peak bone densities is essential to prevent osteoporotic fractures in future life. In conditions of Ca deficiency, Ca from the bones maintains the blood levels of Ca leading to its depletion in bones. Calcium depletion leads to poor bone density and a higher risk of osteoporosis particularly in women who have repeated episodes of pregnancy and lactation. Aim & Objective: To assess the dietary intake of calcium. Material Methods: the study was conducted among 200 healthy women of reproductive age group of 20-49 years. Result: The dietary intake of calcium was less than the Recommended Dietary Allowances of 600mg/day. Women from upper socioeconomic class had a higher intake of dietary calcium 435±268 mg/day as compared to women from low socioeconomic class with a dietary intake of 295±163 mg/day. Conclusion: The dietary intake of calcium improved with an increase in socioeconomic class