Are you getting enough (or too much) calcium and vitamin D?

Calcium and vitamin D are vitally important for good bone health.  Many fractures are the result of osteoporosis, or poor bone density, which can be the result of nutritional deficiencies in one or both of these elements.  We need adequate levels of both.  Children, pregnant, lactating, and post-menopausal women have the greatest need for calcium and vitamin D.  I've found that many men are unaware that they are at risk for osteoporosis, but men are not immune and should be sure they are getting the proper amounts.  Too much of either can have deleterious effects, however, and you should avoid taking more than the recommended amounts.   The Institute for Medicine has updated the recommendations for calcium and vitamin D.  Here is the link: http://www.iom.edu/Reports/2010/Dietary-Reference-Intakes-for-Calcium-and-Vitamin-D.aspx