A person's daily dietary intake of calcium can be estimated from the number of servings of dairy products consumed. If inadequate calcium is ingested from dietary sources, then supplemental calcium may be required.
Dairy Product
Size of Serving
calcium per serving
milk
8 ounces
300 mg
yogurt
8 ounces
400 mg
cheese
1 ounce
200 mg
dairy calcium in mg =
= (300 * ((ounces of milk) / 8) + (400 * ((ounces of yogurt) / 8) + (200 * (ounces of cheese))
total daily calcium intake in mg =
= (dairy calcium in mg) + (300 mg from nondairy sources)
where:
• I am not sure what the calcium from nondairy sources should be for infants and children.
Group
Recommended Calcium Intake in mg
infants, first 6 months of life
400
infants, 7 to 12 months
600
children 1-10 years
800
adolescents and young adults
1200 - 1500
men 25 – 65 years
1000
men > 65 years
1500
women 25-50 years
1000
women pregnant or nursing
1200 – 1500
women 51-65 taking estrogens
1000
women 51-65 not taking estrogens
1500
women > 65 years of age
1500
supplemental calcium in mg per day =
= (recommended intake in mg) – (estimated total daily calcium intake in mg)
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