Blog Site Discontinued June 23, 2017

Welcome. This blog site, healthy eating and food safety, has been discontinued as of June 23, 2017. I look forward to your comments and feedback regarding use of this tool to disseminate educational information.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Counting Up Calcium

Many Americans do not consume significant amounts of calcium rich foods. There are a number of foods that contain calcium.
Dairy foods supply 73 percent of all the calcium available in the U.S. food supply. Besides providing calcium, they supply protein, vitamin D (if fortified), and phosphorus, which together help the body absorb and deposit calcium in bones. Dairy foods are also important sources of vitamin A, riboflavin, vitamin B12, magnesium, and potassium.

Other foods also supply calcium including dark-green leafy vegetables and fish with edible bones. Many processed foods such as soy milk, tofu, orange juice, and breakfast cereal may be fortified with calcium.

Green, leafy vegetables and grain products supply some calcium. However, some vegetables such as spinach contain oxalates; grains may contain phytates. Both bind with some minerals, including calcium, magnesium, and iron, partially blocking their absorption. Caffeine can interfere with calcium absorption, too.
                                
                                 (Click on chart to enlarge)

Source: American Dietetic Association Complete Food and Nutrition Guide, 2nd Edition

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