Expert Advice

Ask the Joslin Dietitian

Q. When choosing a brand of yogurt, is it better to opt for one that is higher in calories and has more protein or fiber, or something lower in calories?

A. It depends on what you're hoping to obtain, nutritionally speaking, from your choice of yogurt. The best-tasting yogurt with the fewest calories and fat that has the most calcium would be my choice. Yogurt is a good source of calcium but does not naturally contain fiber. If you don't get calcium from other food sources such as other dairy products, tofu processed with calcium sulfate, salmon or sardines with bones, then you need to consider yogurt for its calcium content. If you're already getting fiber in your diet from other sources such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes, then whether or not the yogurt has fiber is not as important.

Q. Can I take my calcium (1,200 mg) together with other medications? Can I take my calcium with coffee?

A. Calcium, along with adequate vitamin D, promotes maintenance of strong bones and teeth. It also facilitates muscle contraction and nerve conduction. Consuming adequate calcium daily can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Adult women require between 1,000 and 1,200 mg each day.

Caffeine has a small negative effect on calcium retention. If milk is used in coffee, retention of calcium is decreased. However, if you have a high caffeine intake and do not consume adequate calcium, then the effect of taking your calcium supplement with coffee can be exacerbated.

Calcium can influence the way your body absorbs other medications when taken together. For example, calcium should not be taken with tetracycline because the calcium can bind to the tetracycline and make it unavailable to your body, so it wouldn't be used effectively. If you take multiple medications with your calcium supplement, talk with your health care provider about possible interactions.

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