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University of California San Francisco
Patient Education

Getting Enough Calcium

Related Conditions
Osteoporosis

Why do I need calcium?

Calcium is important for the maintenance of healthy bones and teeth. Calcium needs are highest during times of rapid growth and after menopause in women.

How much calcium do I need?

To meet your calcium requirement, the following Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) are recommended per day:

  • Young Children (1 to 3 years old) – 500 mg
  • Children (4 to 8 years old) – 800 mg
  • Adolescents and Young Adults (9 to 18 years old) – 1,300
  • Adults (19 to 50 years old) – 1,000 mg
  • Pregnant and Nursing Women 1,000 to 1,300 mg
  • Senior Adults (50+ years old) – 1,200 mg

What foods are good sources of calcium?

The best sources of calcium are dairy products such as milk, yogurt and cheese. Other excellent sources of calcium include calcium-fortified orange juice, cranberry juice or soymilk. Just 2 ounces of cheese or 1 cup of milk, yogurt or calcium-fortified beverage contains 300 milligrams of calcium, about 30 percent of your daily requirement.

Do I need a calcium supplement?

If you're not getting enough calcium from your diet, a daily calcium supplement is recommended.

Continue reading

How do I choose a calcium supplement?

Calcium supplements come in many forms. The most common forms you will see are calcium carbonate, calcium citrate and calcium phosphate. When you are choosing a calcium supplement, use the following guidelines:

  • Read the label. The label lists the amount of calcium in each tablet.
  • Look for the USP symbol. This mark on the label means that the product has met government standards for purity and quality.
  • Take only 500 to 600 mg of calcium at one time. If you take larger doses, your body's ability to absorb other nutrients may be reduced.
  • To improve absorption, don't take calcium supplements with other supplements that contain iron.
  • Take your calcium supplement with meals. Studies show that taking calcium carbonate with meals allows for better calcium absorption. Calcium citrate can be taken at any time. No matter what form you choose, taking your supplement at mealtime is an easy way to remember your daily calcium.
  • Avoid bone meal or dolomite calcium supplements. They may contain toxic substances such as lead.

Calcium supplements come in chewable, tablet and liquid forms. Consider cost, convenience and availability when selecting a supplement. Generic and store brands are as effective as brand name products and may cost less.

Do I need a calcium supplement with added vitamin D?

Vitamin D is necessary for the absorption of calcium, but it is not necessary that it be in the calcium supplement. Ask your dietitian or doctor if a calcium supplement with added vitamin D is right for you.

UCSF Health medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider.

Recommended reading

Calcium Content of Foods

Check out this list of calcium rich foods. You will find a breakdown of calcium content in various vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, grains, fish and more.

Folate

The dietary reference intake for folate, or folic acid, is 400 micrograms (mcg) per day. Nevertheless, many people fall short of this goal. Learn more here.

Increasing Fiber Intake

A high-fiber diet reduces the risk of developing various diseases and is important for the health of the digestive system and lowering cholesterol. Learn more.

Soy Protein Content of Foods

Soy contains isoflavones genistein and diadzen that are not found in any other foods and are proven to reduce blood cholesterol and slow bone loss. Learn more.

10 ways to get the most from your doctor visit

Your Doctor Visit

See our top 10 tips for making your UCSF doctor’s appointment as stress-free and productive as possible.

Related clinics

Nutrition Counseling Clinic at the Family Medicine Center at Lakeshore

1569 Sloat Blvd., Suite 333
San Francisco, CA 94132

(415) 353-2291
W, 8:30 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Nutrition Counseling Clinic at Parnassus

400 Parnassus Avenue,, Second Floor
San Francisco, CA 94143

(415) 353-2291
M-F, 8 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Did you know?

UCSF designed its new state-of-the-art Precision Cancer Medicine Building to support patients through every step of their cancer journey. The building houses a centralized check-in, dedicated acute care clinic, support center and comfortable spaces for pop-up services, such as nutrition classes and art therapy.

Precision Cancer Medicine Building
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