Non-milk drinkers . Calcium is needed for strong bones, both to build them in childhood and to maintain them throughout life. Children aged 9 to 18 years need more, about 1,300 mg, as do women over 50 and men over 65. Look carefully at labels before assuming that other dairy products are a good substitute. Yogurt packs in even more than milk, but cottage cheese has much less.
Soy milks can be a good source, but only if they are calcium fortified.
If not from food, get your calcium from supplements, either as pills or antacids that contain calcium. Crim advises against taking calcium supplements containing oyster shells, as some of these supplements have been shown to contain lead. Plan UC Davis Health System is pleased to provide this information for general reference purposes only. It should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice. You are urged to consult with your health care provider for diagnosis of and treatment for any health-related condition.