Calcium

Calcium has several important functions - including helping to build strong bones and teeth and making sure blood clots normally. It is also thought that calcium may help lower high blood pressure and protect against colon and breast cancer.

Good sources of calcium

Good sources of calcium include:

milk, cheese and other dairy foods
green leafy vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage and okra (but not spinach)
soya beans
tofu
soya drinks with added calcium
nuts
bread and anything made with fortified flour
fish where you eat the bones (such as sardines and pilchards)

How much calcium you need

Adults need 700mg of calcium a day.

You should be able to get all the calcium you need from your daily diet.

Taking too much calcium

Taking high doses of calcium could lead to stomach pain and diarrhoea.

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Calcium

Good sources of calcium

How much calcium you need

Taking too much calcium

Help improve this page - send your feedback

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What to do next

Carer's Allowance

Discretionary support / Short-term benefit advance

Disability Living Allowance

Employment and Support Allowance

Jobseeker’s Allowance

Personal Independence Payment