Osteoporosis: Taking calcium
What is the recommended daily amount of calcium?
Calcium should always be taken with vitamin D, because vitamin D is necessary for the body to absorb calcium.
Recommended calcium by age or life stage Age or life stage Recommended calcium intake (milligrams per day) 1–3 years 500 4–8 years 800 9–18 years 1,300 19–50 years 1,000 Older than 50 years 1,200 Pregnant or nursing women need the same as other women their age. 1,000–1,200 Diagnosed with osteoporosis
1,200
Most people do not get enough calcium through diet alone. You need to eat 3 to 4 servings per day of foods high in calcium to get the recommended daily amount.
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If I am a woman older than age 50, I need about 1,200 mg of calcium a day to keep my bones strong and healthy.
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Why is calcium used to treat or prevent osteoporosis?
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| Author: | Robin Parks, MS | Last Updated: December 1, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Carla J. Herman, MD, MPH - Internal Medicine | |
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