Why Is The Certain Amount Of Calcium Necessary For The Human Body?

Calcium is an important part of a healthy diet. Calcium deficiency can affect bone and tooth growth. To absorb calcium, vitamin D is needed.

Dairy products, like milk and cheese are a good source of calcium. For people who are allergic to dairy products, there are other good sources of calcium, such as seaweeds (kelp, wakame and hijiki), nuts and seeds such as almonds and sesame, beans and broccoli and fortified products such as orange juice and soy milk.

Calcium requirements must be met throughout life, and are greatest during periods of growth, such as childhood. A long-term calcium deficiency can lead to osteoporosis, a condition in which the bone deteriorates and there is an increased risk of fractures. Between 1,000 and 1,300 mg of calcium are needed by adults in their daily diet.

The Recommended Adequate Intake by the IOM for Calcium is:

0-6 months - 210 mg/day
7-12 months - 270 mg/day
1-3 years - 500 mg/day
4-8 years - 800 mg/day
9-13 years - 1300 mg/day
14-18 years - 1300 mg/day
19-50 years - 1000 mg/day
51+ years - 1200 mg/day

0-6 months - 210 mg/day
7-12 months - 270 mg/day
1-3 years - 500 mg/day
4-8 years - 800 mg/day
9-13 years - 1300 mg/day
14-18 years - 1300 mg/day
19-50 years - 1000 mg/day
51+ years - 1200 mg/day