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Weight conscious women miss out on major nutrients

Weight conscious women miss out on major nutrients

One in five say kilojoules in calcium-rich foods stop them from consuming enough calcium

A new survey has shown that New Zealand women are knowingly missing out one of the most important nutrients - calcium - for fear of racking up extra kilojoules.

The survey[i], conducted on behalf of EXTRA Professional(tm) to determine awareness of and attitudes towards calcium, revealed that a belief that calcium rich foods are often high in kilojoules is what stops one in five women from getting their recommended dietary intake (RDI).

The results come as an innovative new sugarfree gum - EXTRA Professional(tm) Calcium - is launched. Providing the opportunity to boost our calcium intake, chewing two pieces of EXTRA Professional Calcium for 20 minutes each day will give New Zealanders 10 percent of their RDI of calcium[ii].

And it's not only women that aren't getting adequate calcium. According to the New Zealand Ministry of Health, around 20 per cent of New Zealanders don't get enough[iii].

Commenting on our obsession with kilojoules, dietitian and exercise physiologist Caitlin Reid says that calcium is something that should be on every woman's agenda.

"The fact that some women are deliberately cutting calcium rich foods from their diet in an attempt to reduce their kilojoule intake is a major concern. For those with busy lifestyles, chewing EXTRA Professional Calcium is a great way to add a little extra calcium to their diet, without having to sustain a major lifestyle shift or add any extra kilojoules, salt, sugar or fat."

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Adding another voice to the debate around the issue of calcium deficiency, a panel of health experts - the 'Calcium Coalition' - has recommended that a balanced diet that includes dairy food is the most appropriate way for people to achieve their RDI of calcium. However, if it is not possible for people to achieve optimal calcium levels from their food, then they should opt for fortified foods and/or supplements.

The Calcium Coalition's report[iv], which coincides with the launch of EXTRA Professional Calcium, explores the long term health implications of low calcium intake and the viable solutions.

"Existing myths and misconceptions are one of the most common barriers to people consuming their RDI of calcium," continued Ms Reid, who participated in the Calcium Coalition. "There are lots of options out there that won't send your kilojoule intake sky high. Calcium levels can be boosted by adding reduced-fat dairy products, tinned salmon and sardines, almonds and green leafy vegetables such as spinach or broccoli to your diet."

EXTRA Professional Calcium has the same great minty taste of regular sugarfree gum, but with a little bit extra. It has been designed to complement a balanced diet, providing New Zealanders with a convenient, "on-the-go" option to boost their daily calcium intake.

EXTRA Professional Calcium is in store now. RRP: EXTRA Professional Calcium $1.20 (10 pellet blister pack) and $3.49 (3 pack multipack).

- ENDS -

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