Do my calcium requirements change in adulthood?

Yes. Between the age of 19 and 50 our bodies need slightly less calcium than during adolescence (11–18) and this is because bone growth slows during adulthood. Men and women both need approximately 700mg of calcium, compared to 800mg during adolescence for girls and 1000mg for boys.

This does not, however, mean that it is any less important to get calcium during this period. During adulthood our bodies slowly begin to lose bone, and this is especially the case for women during and after the menopause. An adequate amount of calcium is important to help keep bones healthy. Dairy products can be a simple way of helping to meet calcium needs. One glass of milk (200ml), one pot of low fat yogurt (150g) or a matchbox size piece of cheese (30g), for example, can each provide an adult with roughly a third of their daily calcium needs.