Taking Calcium For Osteoporosis: What Is The Recommended Daily Amount Of Calcium
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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.
| 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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Why is calcium used to treat or prevent osteoporosis?
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Taking calcium for osteoporosis
| Last updated: | December 01, 2006 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Robin Parks, MS |
| Reviewed By: | Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine, Carla J. Herman, MD, MPH - Internal Medicine |
| Editors: | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman |
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