The recommended daily calcium intake varies by age, sex, and life stage, but general guidelines are as follows:
- Adults aged 19 to 64 need about 700 mg of calcium per day according to the UK National Health Service (NHS)
- In the United States, recommendations are typically higher, with adults generally advised to consume 1,000 mg per day , increasing to 1,200 mg per day for women over 50 and men over 70
- For children and teenagers, calcium needs range from about 350 mg per day for toddlers to 1,000–1,300 mg per day for adolescents
- Breastfeeding women may require increased calcium intake, around 1,250 mg per day
Calcium is essential for bone health, muscle function, blood clotting, and other physiological processes
. Most people can meet their calcium needs through a balanced diet rich in dairy products, green leafy vegetables, fortified foods, and fish with edible bones
. Excessive calcium intake, especially above 1,500 mg to 2,500 mg per day , can cause side effects such as stomach pain and diarrhea and may pose health risks
. In summary:
Age / Group| Recommended Calcium Intake (mg/day)
---|---
Adults 19-64 (UK)| 700
Adults 19-50 (US)| 1,000
Women 51+ (US)| 1,200
Men 71+ (US)| 1,200
Adolescents (12-18)| 1,000–1,300
Breastfeeding women| 1,250
Aim to get calcium primarily from food sources, and consult a healthcare provider before taking supplements to avoid excessive intake
