Calcium is mostly in milk-based products, and most people can easily digest these foods. However, people with lactose intolerance might not be able to digest them, which can leave them lacking calcium. Your body absorbs calcium during the digestive process. Having a digestive issue such as irritable bowel syndrome or lactose intolerance might inhibit calcium absorption.
Identification
Calcium is one of the main minerals needed for bone health. Calcium is in most dairy products and it works to create stronger bones and teeth. Adults under age 50 should consume at least 1,000 mg of calcium per day and people over age 51 should increase this amount by 800 mg. As you get older and your bones become less dense, your doctor might require that you take a calcium supplement in addition to increasing the calcium in your diet.
Lactose Intolerance
According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, lactose intolerance is the inability or insufficient ability to digest lactose. Lactose is a sugar found in milk and milk-based products; people who lack the enzyme lactase cannot absorb it. Symptoms of lactose intolerance usually occur directly after drinking milk or eating milk-based products. The symptoms are abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, gas, diarrhea and nausea. Most dietary calcium comes from milk and milk-based products. Thus, people with lactose intolerance might need to take calcium supplements.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder in the digestive system that causes sensitivity to certain foods. These sensitivities cause rapid changes in the digestive process resulting in diarrhea and constipation. People with this condition might not absorb all of the nutrients from the foods they eat, especially if those foods trigger bouts of diarrhea. Foods that trigger symptoms in IBS suffers include dairy products and fried foods.
Considerations
Drinking caffeinated products might also interfere with calcium absorption. If you're lactose intolerant or drink caffeinated products, talk with your physician about ways to increase your calcium consumption safely, as consuming too much calcium can result in mineral overdose. A deficiency in calcium might cause brittle bones, which can increase the risk of developing osteoporosis. This is especially important to menopausal women and people over age 50.
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