Nearly 75% of Kiwi women not getting enough calcium

Nearly 75% of Kiwi women not getting enough calcium

Media release - 29 January 2013: We all need calcium for strong bones and teeth as part of a healthy lifestyle, but studies show that nearly 75 per cent of New Zealand women aren’t getting the recommended amount of dietary calcium in their day[1].

If eating sardines and tofu doesn’t tickle your fancy however, Anchor and Osteoporosis New Zealand have now made it easy to top up your daily dietary calcium with the launch of a calcium enriched spread.

Endorsed by Osteoporosis NZ, Anchor Dairy Blend Calci+ spread is the first calcium enriched spread that not only provides the goodness of New Zealand dairy and is spreadable straight from the fridge, but also offers 10 per cent of your recommended dietary intake (RDI) of calcium.

Mindy Wigzell, Nutritionist for Fonterra Brands NZ, says many of us have a dollop of margarine or butter on our toast or sandwiches anyway, so making a simple switch to Calci+ spread is one of the easiest ways you can get incremental calcium in your day.

“Research shows that nearly 75 per cent of Kiwi women don’t get enough dietary calcium, and that’s a worry because a lack of calcium now can contribute to debilitating diseases like osteoporosis.

“On average, women in New Zealand are consuming around 850 milligrams each day[2], which is less than the recommended intake of 1000 milligrams, but not by much. Making an easy swap to Calci+ spread on your toast or sandwich as part of a balanced eating plan can help you reach your 1000 milligram calcium target each day so it’s an easy little win for your health and for your bones.”

The battle continues between butter and margarine as a staple item in the fridge and on the shopping list. People choose margarine for the convenience, while others choose butter for the naturally creamy taste. Now the choice is made even easier, says Mindy.

“Making a switch, rather than increasing the amount of dairy spread in your day, is the healthier choice. Calci+ spread takes the best of butter – it’s made with the goodness of dairy and has a natural creamy taste - with the convenience and spreadability of margarine. It has 50 per cent less fat than margarine[3], so you can increase your calcium without increasing the fat, plus it’s a source of added vitamin D – another little win.”

Calci+ spread is the newest edition to the Anchor Dairy Blends range, which also includes Anchor Blue, Lite, Calci+ and Trim – so you can match your dairy spread to your milk. Along with a glass of milk and a healthy balanced eating plan, add Calci+ spread to your day to top up your calcium.

For more information and to calculate your bone health visit www.calciplus.co.nz.

About Anchor Dairy Blends

Made with wholesome dairy ingredients for a real, natural butter taste that spreads straight from the fridge, the AnchorTM Dairy Blend Calci+ is the newest edition to the Anchor™ Dairy Blends range.

The range also includes AnchorTM Blue, Lite and Trim all in 500gram, and Blue and Lite in 250 gram packs.

About Osteoporosis New Zealand

Osteoporosis New Zealand is a national organisation established to reduce the impact of osteoporosis on New Zealanders. It was formed to raise awareness and knowledge of osteoporosis and to provide a national 'voice' for those with osteoporosis and those at risk. For more information, visit: http://www.bones.org.nz/.

[1] A Focus on Nutrition: Key findings of the 2008/09 New Zealand Adult Nutrition Survey, University of Otago and Ministry of Health, 2011

[2] Average dietary calcium intake in women aged 31 – 50. A Focus on Nutrition: Key findings of the 2008/09 New Zealand Adult Nutrition Survey, University of Otago and Ministry of Health, 2011

[3] 50 per cent fat compared with margarine at 80 per cent fat content

ENDS

© Scoop Media