Vol. 406 No. 3
20 Miss Flaherty asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a recent national survey indicated a deficiency of calcium in the diet of young women and teenagers; and the action he proposes to take to deal with this matter.
The recent national nutrition survey carried out by the Irish National and Dietetic Institute found that calcium intakes were adequate in all age groups except, 12-18 year old females, where intakes were approximately 950mg per day against the recommended intake of 1,200mg.
I will shortly be announcing an action programme on nutrition and health promotion. Vulnerable groups will be identified and their needs addressed within this programme.
In the immediate future, literature on osteoporosis prevention, targeted particularly at teenage females and young women, will be produced by the Health promotion unit of my Department. Osteoporosis can be commonly associated with calcium deficiency.
