The importance of meeting calcium needs with foods

Calcium can be obtained from foods naturally rich in calcium such as dairy foods, from calcium-fortified foods and beverages, from supplements or from a combination of these. Recognition of calcium's many health benefits, alo ng with Americans' low calcium intake, has led to interest in how best to m eet calcium needs. Foods are the preferred source of calcium. Milk and othe r dairy foods are the major source of calcium in the U.S. In addition, thes e foods provide substantial amounts of other essential nutrients. Consequen tly, intake of dairy foods improves the overall nutritional quality of the diet. Other foods such as some green leafy vegetables, legumes and cereals provide calcium, but generally in lower amounts per serving than do dairy f oods. Also, some components such as phytates in cereals and oxalates in spi nach reduce the bioavailability of calcium. Calcium-fortified foods and cal cium supplements are an option for individuals who cannot meet their calciu m needs from foods naturally containing this mineral. However, their intake cannot correct poor dietary patterns of food selection which underlie Amer icans' low calcium intake. Considering the adverse health and economic effe cts of low calcium intakes, strategies are needed to optimize calcium intak e. A first step is to recognize factors influencing dietary calcium consump tion. Substituting soft drinks for milk and eating away from home are among the barriers to adequate calcium intake. The American public needs to unde rstand why consuming foods containing calcium is the best way to meet calci um needs and learn how to accomplish this objective.