Banking in Childhood	Maintaining in Adulthood*	Slowing Bone Loss in Menopause
Age Range 9-18	Age Range 19-50	Age Range 51+
Recommended Daily Calcium Intake	Recommended Daily Calcium Intake	Recommended Daily Calcium Intake
1300 mg	1000 mg	1200 mg

Banking in Childhood
While girls and young women are still growing, their bones are growing too. It's during these bone-forming years that their bodies are most capable of absorbing calcium. But the fact is, most children and adolescents aren't getting the calcium they need to build peak bone mass that could help prevent osteoporosis later in life.*

Maintaining in Adulthood
Once a woman's bones have stopped growing, sufficient dietary calcium remains important for maintaining bone strength and bone health throughout life.

If you're pregnant or lactating, you need to make sure you are getting enough calcium in your diet or with a calcium supplement. You may be taking a prenatal multi-vitamin/mineral that has been prescribed by your doctor. Most prenatal supplements contain a small amount of calcium. If you are trying to become pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant, you should discuss your vitamin and mineral requirements with your physician.

Slowing Age-Related Bone Loss in Menopause
During this time, a woman's ovaries stop producing estrogen, which is critical to calcium balance. Bone mass is now being broken down faster than it is being rebuilt. Getting enough dietary calcium and vitamin D along with weight-bearing exercises are important steps toward maintaining bone strength and bone health throughout life.

Benefits of Calcium
Research shows that adequate intake of calcium may also promote other key body functions.