Myth vs. Fact: How Much Calcium Do I Need?

MYTH VS. FACT

Myth: “I don’t need a calcium supplement if I don’t like dairy foods . . . it is no big deal.”

Fact: Males and females age 9-18 need 1,300 mg of calcium a day for good bone development. That is 4 servings of dairy a day! After age 18, you still need 1000 mg a day.
1 serving of dairy = 8 oz milk, 6 oz yogurt, 1.5 oz cheese

–Amy Goodson

Amy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD, LD is a registered dietitian for Ben Hogan Sports Medicine and serves as the sports dietitian for the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, FC Soccer Dallas, Jim McClean Golf School, Texas Christian University Athletics, and University of Texas at Arlington Athletics. In addition, she is an adjunct professor and dietetic intern preceptor for Texas Woman’s University, Texas Christian University and the University of Texas at Arlington and is a state media representative for the Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. . She received her Bachelor of Science degree in speech communications from Texas Christian University and Masters in Exercise and Sports Nutrition from Texas Woman’s University.