Best for Bones Foods
Your Family's Calcium and Vitamin D Needs
How much calcium and vitamin D does your family need? Check the chart to find out!
How much calcium and vitamin D do you need?
| Children & Adolescents | Calcium (Daily) | Vitamin D (Daily) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 years | 500mg | 200 IU* |
| 4-8 years | 800mg | 200 IU* |
| 9-18 years | 1,300mg | 200 IU* |
| Adult Women & Men | Calcium (Daily) | Vitamin D (Daily) |
| 19-49 years | 1,000mg | 200 IU |
| 51-70 years | 1,200mg | 400 IU |
| 71 years and older | 1,200mg | 600 IU |
*The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends infants, children, and adolescents get 400 IU of vitamin D. Talk to your child's doctor to see how much she may need.
NOTE: This chart is from the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies and the National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Talk to your doctor and your child's doctor about how much calcium and vitamin D your family needs.
Remember: Calcium and vitamin D are necessary parts of a healthy diet. You've got the power to encourage your daughter — and the rest of your family — to eat a balanced diet containing a variety of foods. Visit the Food Guide Pyramid 
to learn more.
Content last updated September 2009
