What is the daily recommended calcium and vitamin D intake for a postmenopausal woman?

• A. 1000 mg calcium / 400 mg vitamin D
• B. 1500 mg calcium / 800 mg vitamin D
• C. 1200 mg calcium / 600 mg vitamin D
• D. 1200 mg calcium / 800 mg vitamin D

Answer: (D)

Postmenopausal bone health hinges on sufficient calcium and vitamin D because estrogen loss accelerates bone loss. Calcium supports bone mineralization, and in adults over 50 the target is about 1200 mg per day to help offset this increased turnover. Vitamin D is needed to absorb calcium from the gut and maintain proper serum calcium for bone formation, with a common target of about 800 IU daily for older adults. The pairing of 1200 mg calcium with 800 IU vitamin D aligns with these guidelines, making it the best choice. Higher calcium intakes can raise kidney stone risk, and too little vitamin D can impair calcium absorption, so this combination optimizes both intake and absorption for bone health.