Healthy Bones Australia recommends the pictured calcium intake guidelines for Australians.

In children, growing bones require daily calcium intake. Daily dietary recommendations increase as children grow. Calcium is essential during the teenage growth spurt. Peak bone mass is achieved by early twenties and 40% is acquired during puberty.

As adults, adequate calcium intake maintains bone strength. For older adults, daily recommendation increases as calcium is less effectively absorbed from the intestine and more can be lost through the kidneys.

Excessive calcium intake is not recommended. If calcium supplementation is used it should only form part of daily requirements and where possible calcium should be derived from food sources.