The pictures are frightening. Porous, fragile bones. Broken hips and hunched backs. A lack of calcium may result in bone thinning disease osteoporosis, which affects older American men and women. Osteoporosis is a condition of gradually weakening brittle bones. As bones lose calcium and other minerals, they become more fragile and porous. Osteoporosis is cause of more than 1.5 million bone fractures each year. These fractures often lead to permanent changes in lifestyle. Calcium is a key ingredient in maintaining good bone health and slowing bone loss later in life.

Calcium is most abundant mineral in body. It plays two important roles. First, it is an essential part of bone structure. Second, bone calcium serves as a reservoir that releases calcium to body fluids when there is a drop in blood calcium concentration. Calcium in body fluids plays several important roles including maintaining normal blood pressure and nerve transmission.

The establishment of recommended intakes for calcium is difficult because absorption varies not only with age, but also with a person's vitamin D status, calcium content of diet, and calcium binders in foods. In general, calcium recommendations are high for young people and for those over age 51 because calcium absorption declines with age.

1. Marmalade, apple butter, or whole fruit preserves served on low fat crackers with slices of gourmet cheese. (Be sure to read back of packages of cheese and crackers, look for low-fat options.)

2. Pears and low fat cheddar cheese. The sweet, tang of fruit with sharp taste of cheese is a mixture that will please any palette. When serving, allow guests to slice their own fruit -- this will keep fruit from turning brown.