Calcium
When calcium is lost from bones, the bones become thin, brittle and break easily. In severe cases, fractures occur following only slight knocks or normal activities such as lifting or bending.
The good news is that we CAN do something to prevent this. Everyone should make sure they are receiving the recommended daily intake of calcium for their age and gender group. Milk and other dairy foods are a delicious way to easily get your daily dose of calcium.
Calcium is important throughout our life.
Building Bones
From childhood to our mid-thirties there is a continuous building of the calcium in our bones. This is called building our ‘peak bone mass ’and determines the strength of our bones for the future. The demand for calcium for growth and bone maintenance when we are young is high. In fact, the entire skeleton of a young child is replaced over a period of 2 years.
[Back to Top]
Protecting Bones
After childhood, unless we maintain enough calcium in our diet, we can start to experience calcium loss and the weakening of our bones. There are also specific times when women have increased calcium requirements.
• Pregnancy & Breastfeeding – it is essential for a mother to ensure she has a good supply of dietary calcium to cover her own needs and those of the growing baby.
• Adult Women – one in two women will develop osteoporosis. During menopause, women produce much less oestrogen, which can accelerate the loss of calcium and increase the risk of brittle bones.
| |
Age |
Calcium RDI |
| Children |
1 - 3 yrs |
700 mg |
| |
4 - 11 yrs |
800 mg |
| Women and Girls |
12 - 15 yrs |
1000 mg |
| |
16 yrs - menopause |
800 mg |
| |
Pregnant Women |
1100 mg |
| |
Breastfeeding Women |
1200 mg |
| |
After menopause |
1000 mg |
| Men & Boys |
12 - 15 yrs |
1200 mg |
| |
16 - 18 yrs |
1000 mg |
| |
over 18 yrs |
800 mg |
[Back to Top]
Where can I get the extra calcium I need?
PhysiCAL is the highest calcium dairy milk. It contains 40% more calcium than regular milk.
For people that prefer to drink non-dairy milk, the Soy Life range of soy milks are a great way to maintain calcium intake. Soy Life Hi Cal+ soy milk is particularly good for boosting calcium intake because it provides 25% more calcium than original Soy Life soy milk.
Food Facts
