Status: Getting worse
Most Recent Data:
1,047
milligrams (mg)
(2017-20) *
Target:
1,184
mg
*
Desired Direction:
Increase desired
Baseline:
1,077
milligrams (mg) of calcium from foods, dietary supplements, antacids, and drinking water was the mean total daily intake by persons aged 2 years and over in 2013-16 *
* Age adjusted to the year 2000 standard population.
Increase the consumption of calcium by persons aged 2 years and over
Summary
People need calcium for healthy bones, and getting enough calcium may reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Although average calcium consumption has increased in the United States in recent years, many people still don’t get enough. Nutrition counseling and behavioral interventions can help people get more calcium. Encouraging people to use the Nutrition Facts label can also help them track their consumption of calcium.
Topic: Nutrition and Healthy Eating
Workgroup: Nutrition and Weight Status Workgroup