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Healthy Eating: Calcium

Linda B. Bobroff

What is calcium?

Calcium is the primary mineral found in our bones and teeth. We need calcium for the proper functioning of muscles and nerves. Calcium also helps our blood clot.

Calcium is a critical nutrient at every stage of life. We are best able to put calcium into our bones to make them strong early in life. Then, as we get older, it is essential to get enough calcium to avoid bone loss. Vitamin D helps us absorb calcium, so getting enough of this nutrient is important throughout our lives.

Many older people do not get enough calcium from the foods they eat. This can lead to the bone disease osteoporosis. People with osteoporosis are at high risk of having a bone fracture.

Figure 1. Yogurt is a great source of calcium.
Figure 1. Yogurt is a great source of calcium. 
Credit: iStock/Getty Images Plus

What foods contain calcium?

In the US, the major sources of calcium for many people are dairy foods. This includes milk, yogurt, cheese, and ice cream. For heart health, low-fat or fat-free versions of dairy foods are recommended.

Many green vegetables are good calcium sources, too. Kale, romaine lettuce, and broccoli all provide calcium. Spinach contains many nutrients, including calcium, but the oxalic acid in this green vegetable keeps calcium from getting into our bodies.

Figure 2. Tofu, kale, and black beans all are calcium sources.
Figure 2. Tofu, kale, and black beans all are calcium sources. 
Credit: Nora Kuby. Used here under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-SA 2.0. Source: http://flic.kr/p/6Dd3M8 

Other calcium sources are legumes (such as kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, and lentils), tofu (processed with calcium), and nuts. Many foods are fortified with calcium. You can even get calcium in orange juice!

What happens if I do not get enough calcium?

Because it is needed for so many body functions, our bodies have hormones that control our blood calcium levels. When you don't get enough calcium, your body releases parathyroid hormone (PTH), which causes calcium to be taken from your bones to keep blood levels normal.

Over time, if you don't get enough calcium, your bones will begin to become porous and weak. As your bone loss becomes severe, you may develop the bone disease called osteoporosis. Your doctor can order a bone density test to diagnose osteoporosis.

What are hormones?

Hormones are chemical messengers. They are made in one part of the body and then travel to another organ or tissue. Once there, the hormones affect specific body processes.

How much calcium do I need?

The recommended intake for men ages 19–70 and women ages 19–50 is 1,000 milligrams of calcium each day. Women 51 years and older and men over 70 should aim to get 1,200 milligrams of calcium each day. This is more than most people get from the foods they eat. Some people may need more calcium to decrease their risk of osteoporosis. Check with your health care provider to see how much calcium you should get each day. 

To get the calcium you need, eat foods that are naturally high in calcium, as well as foods that have calcium added. If you think you are not getting enough of this mineral, look at the list of foods containing calcium and choose one or two to add to your diet. Speak with your health care provider before you decide to take calcium supplements.

Where can I get more, reliable information about my nutrition?

Your local UF/IFAS Extension Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) agent may have more written information and nutrition classes for you to attend. Also, a registered dietitian (RD) can provide reliable information to you. Call your Area Agency on Aging for information about meal programs that may be offered in your area. Reliable nutrition information may be found on the Internet at the following sites:

Table 1. 

Calcium content of selected foods.

Food

Calcium

(mg/serving)*

Yogurt, low-fat, fruit, 1 cup

345

Milk, low-fat, 1 cup

305

Tofu, raw, firm, ½ cup

250

Orange juice with calcium, ¾ cup

200

Cheddar cheese, low-fat, 1½ ounces

120

Kale, frozen, cooked, ½ cup

90

Black beans, cooked, ½ cup

50

Broccoli, cooked, ½ cup

50

Kidney beans, cooked, ½ cup

30

*mg=milligrams

Source: USDA, Agricultural Research Service, National Research Library, https://fdc.nal.usda.gov

Publication #FCS8568

Release Date:July 27th, 2022

Related Experts

Bobroff, Linda B.

Specialist/SSA/RSA

University of Florida

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About this Publication

This document is FCS8568 (la versión en español de este documento es Alimentacion Saludable: Calcio (FCS8568-Span)), one of a series of the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Originally developed with funding from the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, in partnership with state, county, and local agencies. Original publication date September 1999. Revised March 2010, August 2011, October 2014, October 2017, and July 2022. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu the currently supported version of this publication.

About the Authors

Linda B. Bobroff, PhD, RDN, professor; Department of Family, Youth, and Community Sciences; UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611.

Contacts

  • Wendy Dahl