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Calcium is essential for growing strong bones and teeth during childhood and adolescence. Having strong bones helps to protect against fractures when you are older. Calcium is also needed for our heartbeat, blood pressure control and muscle function.
Group Age (years) Calcium (mg) per day Infants Under 1 525 Children 1-3 4-6 7-10 350 450 550 Adolescents 11-18 800 (girls) ... Lactose free 100ml 120
Calcium is important at all ages for strong bones and teeth. This Food Fact Sheet lists the recommended amounts of calcium for different groups of people and the foods and drinks that are rich in calcium. It also gives you some ideas on how you might achieve your recommended intake.
- Why Do I Need Calcium?
- How Much Calcium Do I Need?
- Where Do I Get Calcium from?
- Calcium Absorption
- Can I Get Enough Calcium in A Vegan Diet?
- Meals and Snack Ideas
- Healthy Lifestyle Advice For Healthy Bones
- Vitamin D and Calcium
- Calcium Supplements
- Top Tips
Calcium is a mineral that is needed to maintain strong bones. It is also needed for healthy muscle and nerve function.
Table 1 - Daily guideline amounts * Discuss the need for a calcium supplement with your doctor or dietitian. You are more at risk of calcium deficiency if you: 1. are on a cow’s milk or lactose-free diet 2. have coeliac disease 3. have osteoporosis 4. are breastfeeding 5. are past the menopause Limited evidence suggests that some older adults may b...
*Children under four and a half years old should not have rice drinks as a replacement for cow’s milk, breast milk or infant formula.
Spinach, dried fruits, beans, seeds and nuts contain calcium but they also contain oxalates and/or phytates which reduce how much calcium your body can absorb from them. They have therefore not been listed and you should not rely on them as your main sources of calcium.
Yes! There are lots of plant-based foods and drinks that contain calcium listed in the table above. Many plant-based alternatives to dairy products in the UK are fortified with calcium (they have extra calcium added to them). Calcium-set tofu and calcium-fortified bread are good options to include as your main sources of calcium. It is important to...
Start the day with cereal (many are calcium-fortified) with milk (or a calcium-fortified milk plant-based alternative.Use tinned sardines or pilchards (with the bones) instead of tuna in a sandwich or on toast.Have a stir fry including calcium-set tofu, broccoli spears and chopped nuts.If your child will not drink milk, include milk and milk alternatives in meals and snacks instead.Be active - weight-bearing activities like walking, aerobics, cycling, running and tennis are best. Aim for at least 30 minutes of activity, five times a week.Smoking is associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis, low bone density and increased risk of hip fracture. Stopping smoking prevents further excess bone loss.Vitamin D helps the absorption of calcium from foods. For more information about how to meet your requirements see our Vitamin D fact sheet.
It is best to get enough calcium from food. If you are unable to meet your daily requirements from food alone, you can take supplements to top up your intake. If you are taking medicines, other supplement products, or if you think you need more than 500mg of extra calcium; it advisable to discuss this with a pharmacist, doctor or dietitian.
Getting enough calcium is important for healthy bones and teeth & muscle and nerve function.You need Vitamin D to absorb the calcium in your diet.Don’t forget, low-fat dairy products have the same amount of calcium as the full-fat versions.Remember to check plant-based alternatives to dairy have added calcium (often called ‘fortified’). Most organic products are not calcium-fortified.What is calcium and what does it do? Calcium is a mineral your body needs to build and maintain strong bones and to carry out many important functions. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body. Almost all calcium in the body is stored in bones and teeth, giving them structure and hardness.
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Calcium is important at all ages for strong bones and teeth. This Food Fact Sheet lists the recommended amounts of calcium for different groups of people and the foods and drinks that are rich in calcium. It also gives you some ideas on how you might achieve your recommended intake.
People also ask
Why is calcium important in childhood and adolescence?
What is calcium and what does it do?
How do I Meet my Child's calcium requirements?
How does calcium affect health?
Boosting Calcium Intake for Children and Adolescents. Calcium is an essential mineral required for building and maintaining strong, healthy bones and teeth. Poor calcium intake can lead to stunted growth and an increased risk of fractures later in life.
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