How Much Calcium Should Children Have?

Milk is a common calcuim source.

Minimum Amounts

For children between the ages of 1 and 3,500 mg of calcium is recommended, increasing to 800 mg for children between 4 and 8, and going up to 1,300 mg for children ages 9 and above, according to KidsHealth.

Intake Range

MayoClinic.com recommends calcium intake falls within a range for most children, suggesting children under age 3 receive 400 to 800 mg daily, children ages 4 to 10 800 mg, and adolescents 800 to 1200 mg.

Bottom Line

The National Institutes of Health Milk Matters website recommends children ages 1 to 3 need 500 mg of calcium daily, while kids age 4 to 8 need 800 mg, and children 9 and older need 1,300 mg daily.

References

• KidsHealth: Calcuim and Your Child
• MayoClinc.com: Calcium Supplement
• Milk Matters: How Much Calcium Do Kids Need