How much calcium do I need?
Daily Dietary Reference Intakes for calcium are:
- children 1 to 3 years old: 700mg
- children 4 to 8 years old: 1,000mg
- teenagers 9 to 18 years old (including girls who are pregnant or breastfeeding): 1,300mg
- adults 19 to 50 years old (including women who are pregnant or breastfeeding): 1,000mg
- adults 51 to 70 years old: 1,200mg for women and 1,000mg for men
- adults 71 years old and older: 1,200mg
Postmenopausal women and adults 65 years and older should get 1,500mg of calcium daily. Postmenopausal women also have a harder time absorbing calcium (estrogen helps increase calcium absorption) and may want to take calcium and vitamin D supplements. Older adults should consume more calcium and vitamin D to reduce risk of bone breaks and fractures, and osteoporosis.
How much is too much?
Do not get more than 2,500mg of calcium per day. It’s unlikely you’ll reach this level from foods, but if you take a calcium supplement, check the dosage. Too much calcium can cause constipation, increase your risk for developing calcium kidney stones, and may block the absorption of iron and zinc from foods. Most people don’t have to worry about calcium overdose. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. The average adult gets only 500mg to 700mg per day, far below the national recommendation. Consider calcium sources as you plan your diet.
Good sources of calcium
The best way to meet your calcium needs is through the foods you eat. Dairy products are an excellent source. One cup of nonfat milk contains 300mg of calcium — a quarter of your daily recommended intake. Choose low- or nonfat dairy products to cut down on calories and fat without losing calcium. You can find lactose-free dairy goods at most grocery stores. Nondairy calcium-rich foods like green vegetables or fortified foods such as cereals, orange juice, and unsweetened soy and almond milk can also supply your calcium needs. Many of these foods are also fortified with vitamin D to help with calcium’s absorption.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps absorb calcium and also helps our bodies turn calcium into bone. Adults 70 and older need 800 IU of vitamin D (preferably vitamin D3) daily. Adults under the age of 70 should aim for 600 IU of vitamin D a day. Your doctor may recommend a higher amount of vitamin D if you are deficient. Vitamin D is often combined with calcium in some supplements — be sure to check the label.
