- With Mayo Clinic endocrinologist
Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
Dr. Todd Nippoldt is a board-certified specialist in internal medicine and endocrinology and metabolism. He has special expertise in the area of hormone disorders affecting the pituitary and adrenal glands as well as the testes and ovaries. He has been a member of the Mayo Clinic staff since 1988.
Dr. Nippoldt is a consultant in the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nutrition and works with patients who have disorders of the hormone-producing glands. Common disorders include diabetes, thyroid problems, osteoporosis and elevated cholesterol levels.
He also is involved in andrology, the study of male hormonal disorders, male infertility and sexual dysfunction and is an assistant professor of medicine at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine.
Dr. Nippoldt, a St. Paul, Minn., native, has also contributed to "Mayo Clinic Health Letter," a Mayo Clinic CD-ROM and the "Mayo Clinic Family Health Book." He is a fellow in the American College of Physicians and a member of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, the American Society of Andrology, The Endocrine Society, The Pituitary Society and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists.
"I have found that those patients who have gone to the Internet and obtained accurate medical information come to their appointment with me very well informed, and the discussions regarding the evaluation and management of their condition are very productive and satisfying," he says.
"The key, however, is obtaining accurate medical information. As a medical editor for MayoClinic.com, I hope to be able to ensure that accurate, relevant and up-to-date information is available for patients and their families."
Nutrition basics (20)
- Water softeners: How much sodium do they add?
- Caffeine: Is it dehydrating or not?
- Coffee and health: What does the research say?
- see all in Nutrition basics
Healthy diets (8)
- Diverticulitis diet: Can certain foods trigger an attack?
- Butter vs. margarine: Which is better for my heart?
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Healthy cooking (10)
- Lentils: How do I cook with them?
- Food poisoning: How long can you safely keep leftovers?
- Canned pumpkin: Better than fresh?
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Healthy menus and shopping strategies (6)
- Calories in sushi: What are the low-cal options?
- Vegetable juice: As good as whole vegetables?
- Buying beef? A guide to choosing the leanest cuts
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Nutritional supplements (15)
- Vitamin water: Better than plain water?
- Ground flaxseed: Better than whole?
- Vitamin C: Can too much be harmful?
- see all in Nutritional supplements
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Question
Calcium supplements: Do men need them too?
Should men take calcium supplements?
Answer
from Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
Some men may benefit from calcium supplements. Like women, men tend to experience considerable bone loss as they age. Calcium supplements — particularly for older men — can help keep bones strong.
For men ages 19 to 50, the general calcium recommendation is 1,000 milligrams (mg) a day. For men older than age 50, the recommendation increases to 1,200 mg a day. If your diet doesn't include adequate calcium, calcium supplements may be warranted.
It's also important to get enough vitamin D, which boosts calcium absorption. The National Academies of Sciences currently recommends 200 international units (IU) of vitamin D a day for adults up to age 50, and 400 to 600 IU for adults older than age 50. However, many researchers now question whether these levels are adequate and assert that a daily intake of 800 to 1,000 IU would benefit many people — including older adults.
Both calcium and vitamin D are found in some dairy products, such as fortified milk. Foods naturally rich in calcium include broccoli, spinach and salmon. Calcium-fortified products — such as citrus juices — are other good sources of calcium. Sunlight is a major source of vitamin D.
If you're concerned that you're not getting enough calcium or vitamin D, contact your doctor. Ask whether you would benefit from calcium supplements or vitamin D supplements.
Next questionVitamin D toxicity: What if you get too much?
- Dietary supplement fact sheet: Calcium. Office of Dietary Supplements. http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/calcium.asp. Accessed Oct. 1, 2008.
- Dietary supplement fact sheet: Vitamin D. Office of Dietary Supplements. http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitamind.asp. Accessed Oct. 1, 2008.
