Calcium RDI
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Calcium has a recommended daily intake which is different for the various age groups and genders.
Find your recommended daily intake of calcium below:
- Infants (0-6 months) - 210mg
- Infants (7-12 months) - 270mg
- Children (1-3 years) - 500mg
- Children (4-8 years) - 800mg
- Children (9-18 years) - 1300mg
- Adults (19-50 years) - 1000mg
- Adults (>51 years) - 1200mg
- Pregnant and lactating women (<18 years) - 1300mg
- Pregnant and lactating women (18-50) - 1000mg
Calcium has a defined recommended daily intake as well as a daily tolerable upper limit
Tolerable Upper Limit
There is also a tolerable upper limit for calcium - this is the maximum that can be safely taken of this mineral before it produces serious and toxic side effects:
- Infants (0- 12 months) - not established*
- Children (1-8 years) - 2500mg
- Children (9-13 years) - 2500mg
- Children (14-18 years) - 3500mg
- Adults (>19 years) - 2500mg
- Pregnant & lactating women (all ages) - 2500mg
* The tolerable upper limit for calcium for infants aged 0-12 months has not yet been determined due to a lack of data about the adverse effects in this age group and a concern about the lack of ability of the body of infants to handle excess amounts. The only source of calcium intake should be from food (breast milk and/or baby formula) to prevent high levels of intake and possible adverse effects.