Calcium Intake Guidelines and Comparisons

International Recommendations and Comparisons

The Institute of Medicine recommends calcium intake of 1000 mg/day for adults aged 19-50 years and men aged 51-70 years, and 1200 mg/day for women over 50 years and men over 70 years 1, 2
Indian calcium intake levels are significantly lower than the average intake observed in Western populations, where men consume approximately 900-1200 mg/day and women 750-850 mg/day 1
The gap between actual intake and recommended levels is particularly concerning for postmenopausal women and elderly individuals who require higher calcium intake 1, 2

Limited dairy consumption compared to Western populations is a contributing factor to low calcium intake in Indians 1