|  | Diet Nutrition | Nutritional Supplements

Recommended Level of Calcium in Blood

Calcium is essential to strong bones and teeth. As a matter of fact, 99 percent of the calcium in your body is stored in your bones and teeth. The other 1 percent is required for proper muscle, blood vessel, hormone, enzyme and nervous system health.

  1. Fact

    • According to the National Institutes of Health, babies ages 0 to 6 months need 210mg calcium; 7 to 12 months need 270mg; 1 to 3 years need 500mg; 4 to 8 years need 800mg; 9 to 18 years need 1,300mg; 19 to 50 years need 1,000mg; 50+ years need 1,200mg.

    Myth

    • It's a myth that pregnant and lactating women need more calcium than others. It's also a myth that women and men need different amounts.

    Sources of Calcium

    • Calcium comes from food and dietary supplements. Foods such as yogurt, sardines, cheese, milk, salmon, spinach, cereal, kale, and ice cream contain calcium. Calcium carbonate or calcium citrate pills are calcium supplements.

    Absorption of Calcium

    • The human body can't absorb 100 percent of the daily recommended amount of calcium all at once. It's best to consume 500mg or less of calcium at a time. Do not consume more than 2,500mg of calcium in a day.

    Deficiency

    • According to the National Dairy Council, 75 percent of all Americans are not getting enough calcium. Adult women (ages 20+) are most in need of calcium, as 90 percent do not consume enough.

Nutritional Supplements - Related Articles