Nutritional experts reviewed the role and importance of calcium in a recent supplement to the Journal of the American College of Nutrition. They blamed poor dietary patterns of food selection such as substituting soft drinks for milk and frequent meals away from home for the failure of most Americans to meet the daily recommendations for calcium.

When the body doesn't get enough calcium, it breaks down bones to access their calcium. This activity increases when women become pregnant and also as people age, raising the daily requirement for calcium in seniors. According to research at the Osteoporosis Research Center of Creighton University, a total of 1300 - 1700 mg of calcium/day has been shown to reduce fracture risk in individuals 65 and older. Higher intakes - up to 2400 mg/day - affect the parathyroid glands, aiding the body's ability to compensate for lower calcium intake. Daily intake of calcium at these levels may also help to prevent other disorders such as colon cancer, high blood pressure, and obesity, which are associated with calcium deficiency.

Foods such as milk and other dairy foods are the preferred source of calcium, according to the National Dairy Council. Others foods such as some green leafy vegetables, legumes, and cereals provide calcium, although in lower amounts per serving. Calcium supplements and calcium-fortified foods are an option for individuals who cannot meet their calcium needs from foods.

Related information: Nutrition Center - Calcium