General guidelines advise men and women over age 50 to consume at least 1000 mg of calcium per day. Many people, fearful that diet does not provide adequate levels of the nutrient, utilize over-the-counter supplements to ensure these recommendations are met. However, according to Marla Ahlgrimm, a new study has found there is no evidence that suggests calcium can prevent bone density loss or fractures. Scientists from New Zealand analyzed two separate randomized controlled trials, neither of which provided any evidence that calcium supplements were beneficial. Here, Ahlgrimm answers general questions about this nutrient and notes the potential risks of supplemental calcium.
Q: What benefits does calcium provide?
Marla Ahlgrimm: Calcium derived from natural sources, including dairy products, leafy green vegetables, calcium-fortified foods, and edible fish bones, is utilized by the body to build and maintain strong bones. Calcium is also vital to cardiovascular health.
In this brief Q&A session, 
Marla Ahlgrimm has co-authored two ground-breaking books,