Calcium Intake In Adults

Calcium Intake in the United States from Dietary and Supplemental Sources Across Adult Age Groups: New Estimates from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2006.
Kelsey M. Mangano, Stephen J. Walsh, Karl L. Insogna, Anne M. Kenny, Jane E. Kerstetter


The purpose of this study was to determine adult intake of calcium, whether it be from dietary or supplemental sources. Data from the 2003-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) was used in this study. Data was also used to examine how energy intake changes based on age and how that is related to calcium intake. The importance of this research is related to how sufficient calcium intake results in good bone health.

The data from NHANES was compiled by different methods. Overall, there were 9,475 adults ranging from 19 years old and up. The overall diet of the participants was determined through a 24-hour recall administered by a staff that was trained for over a week. Calcium supplementation was assessed through a questionnaire. Both the energy and calcium intake were assessed through the USDA's Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies. Researchers attempted to correct for participant error by excluding paticipant's data from the study that contained any missing information. According to the research, NHANES over-sampled the following groups; African Americans, low-income individuals from 12-19 years old and over 60 years old, and Mexican Americans. This was addressed throughout the analyses. Cross-sectional analyses were used to determine the relationship between calcium and energy intake.

Supplemental calcium sources included antacids, single and multivitamin nonprescription sources, and prescription sources. Individuals had to consume these supplements within the past month in order to be recorded. Calcium density was used to determine how total calcium intake related to total energy intake. Regression analyses were performed to determine trends in median intakes of energy, dietary calcium, supplemental calcium, total calcium, and then was compared to gender and age.

Findings from the data analyses showed as energy intake decreased, so did total calcium intake. Overall, individuals above 80 years old tended to consume a lower amount of energy when compared to individuals ranging from 19 to 30 years old, with men decreasing intake by 35% and women decreasing by 28% from 30 years old to 60 and above. Also, older adults tended to increase supplemental calcium intake within their diet. Men increased supplemental calcium intake from 33.5% when aged 19-30 to 53.9% for those aged above 60. For women, supplemental calcium intake increased from 42.1% to 63.6%, respectively. The researchers concluded that calcium supplementation did not meet the necessary guidelines for adequate intake standards in people over 50 years of age. Finally, results illustrated calcium supplement users generally consumed higher amounts of dietary calcium.

Researchers concluded that new methods of proper calcium supplementation and proper dietary calcium intake education is necessary for those individuals over 30 years old. Calcium is an important nutrient that can help decrease the risk of osteoporosis among high risk individuals when consumed in proper amounts. Dietary intake of calcium, along with proper supplementation, is an important part of bone health.


Mangano, K. M., Walsh, S. J., Insogna, K. L., Kenny, A. M., & Kerstetter, J. E. (2011). Calcium intake in the united states from dietary and supplemental sources across adult age groups: new estimates from the national health and nutrition examination survey 2003-2006. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 111 (5), 687-695.