Recommendations for Dietary Calcium intake and Bone Health: the Role of Health Literacy

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a skeletal disease that involves micro-architectural deterioration of the bone matrix and depletion of bone mineral. Inadequate dietary calcium, especially in a vitamin D deficient environment, may predispose an individual to osteoporosis. Given that recommendations for daily intake (RDI) of dietary calcium differ between countries, and according to life-stages, understanding RDIs and how to achieve them is likely to be a complex process for many individuals. Health literacy, or the ability of individuals to gain access to, understand and use health-related information, will influence the capacity of individuals to meet RDIs. Furthermore, the lowest health literacy is observed in the same groups identified as having an increased risk of osteoporosis; older individuals, and those that are socially disadvantaged. It is imperative to consider the specific health literacy needs of at-risk populations when promoting recommendations for dietary calcium intake.