Children are at risk for not getting enough calcium. Today, surveys show that children and teens are only getting a portion of the calcium they need. Calcium is important for building strong bones and teeth.

Children 4 to 8 need 800 milligrams (mg) of calcium each day. Teens and preteens 9 to 18 need 1300 mg each day. The table below shows good sources of calcium, both dairy and nondairy, that you can offer to your kids every day.

Dairy Foods

 
Plain yogurt, low fat/fat free             1 cup       415 to 450 mg
Fruit yogurt, low fat/fat free             1 cup       350 mg 
Milk (fat-free, low-fat, whole)            1 cup       300 mg 
Frozen yogurt (fat-free, low-fat, whole)   1 cup       210 mg 
Reduced-fat cheddar cheese                 1 oz.       120 mg 
American cheese                            2 oz.       323 mg 
Swiss cheese                               1.5 oz.     336 mg 
Cheddar cheese                             1.5 oz.     307 mg 
Mozzarella, part-skim                      1.5 oz.     311 mg 
Ricotta Cheese, part skim                  1/2 cup     355 mg 
Cottage cheese reduced fat                 1/2 cup      75 mg 
Calcium-fortified cottage cheese           1/2 cup     300 mg 
Cheese Pizza                               1 slice     220 mg 

Nondairy Foods

 
Calcium-fortified orange juice             1 cup       300 mg 
Corn Tortillas (lime treated)              3           130 mg 
Waffle 7 inch round                        1           180 mg 
Pancakes 4 inch round                      2           115 mg 
Beans dried (cooked)                       1 cup        90 mg 
Soybeans (cooked)                          1/2 cup      90 mg 
Tofu (processed w/calcium sulfate)         1/2 cup     253 mg 
Soy drink (calcium-fortified)              1 cup       370 mg 
Salmon with small bones                    3 oz.       180 mg 
Broccoli (raw)                             1 cup        90 mg 
Almonds                                    4 oz.        80 mg 
Calcium-fortified cereal                   1 oz.       235 to 1043 mg
Chinese cabbage, raw                       1 cup        74 mg 
Turnip greens boiled                       1/2 cup      99 mg 
Kale, cooked                               1 cup        94 mg 

*Calcium content of foods listed in the above table will vary depending on fat content, processing and brand. The values shown here are estimates.

The calcium from some nondairy choices, such as vegetables, beans, and soy, is not absorbed as well as that from dairy products. Although these foods make it easier to meet daily calcium needs, it still can be hard to get enough without dairy products. It is best to get calcium from a variety of sources. Ask your health care provider or dietitian if your child should take a calcium supplement.

Are calcium-fortified foods healthy and safe?

While many fortified products are good supplements, foods such as candy, flavored waters, and soda pop often have little or no nutritional value, other than the calcium. They are snack foods and should be eaten in limited amounts. Choose fortified foods that are already nutritious, such as whole grain cereals, breads, 100% fruit juices, or soy products.

Read labels. More does not always mean better. Calcium is best absorbed in amounts of 500 mg or less per serving. Keep your child's calcium needs in mind when you choose fortified products. Although rare, it is possible to get too much calcium through fortified foods.

The calcium in fortified fruit juices is well absorbed. Three 8 oz cups of fruit juice is about the same as three 8 oz cups of low fat milk in calcium and calories.