Calcium
The key mineral for strong bones and teeth.
What is Calcium?
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body, with about 99% stored in the bones and teeth. Beyond skeletal strength, it is essential for muscle contraction, nerve signalling, blood clotting and a steady heartbeat.
Health benefits of Calcium
- Builds and maintains strong bones and teeth
- Enables muscle contraction, including the heart
- Supports nerve transmission and blood clotting
- Helps protect against bone loss with age
Top food sources of Calcium
See full rankingDairy, fortified plant milks, tofu, sardines, kale, broccoli and almonds. Values shown per 100 g.
Leavening agents, baking powder, double-acting, straight phosphate
7,364 mg 566% DV
Leavening agents, baking powder, double-acting, sodium aluminum sulfate
5,876 mg 452% DV
Leavening agents, baking powder, low-sodium
4,332 mg 333% DV
Desserts, rennin, tablets, unsweetened
3,733 mg 287% DV
Cereals ready-to-eat, GENERAL MILLS, Whole Grain TOTAL
3,333 mg 256% DV
Cereals ready-to-eat, GENERAL MILLS, TOTAL Corn Flakes
3,333 mg 256% DV
Lemonade, low calorie, with aspartame, powder
3,098 mg 238% DV
Spices, basil, dried
2,240 mg 172% DV
Tofu, dried-frozen (koyadofu), prepared with calcium sulfate
2,134 mg 164% DV
Spices, savory, ground
2,132 mg 164% DV
Whey, acid, dried
2,054 mg 158% DV
Cereals ready-to-eat, GENERAL MILLS, TOTAL, Blueberry Pomegranate
2,041 mg 157% DV
How much Calcium do you need?
The FDA Daily Value is 1,300 mg. Vitamin D is needed alongside calcium for proper absorption.
Calcium deficiency
Long-term shortfall draws calcium from bone, increasing the risk of low bone density and osteoporosis.
Nutrition data per 100 g from the USDA & FooDB databases. Daily Values follow the FDA 2016+ labeling standard for a 2,000-calorie diet. This guide is for general information and is not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
What does Calcium do?
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body, with about 99% stored in the bones and teeth. Beyond skeletal strength, it is essential for muscle contraction, nerve signalling, blood clotting and a steady heartbeat.
How much Calcium do I need per day?
The FDA Daily Value is 1,300 mg. Vitamin D is needed alongside calcium for proper absorption.
Which foods are highest in Calcium?
Per 100 g, some of the richest sources are Leavening agents, baking powder, double-acting, straight phosphate, Leavening agents, baking powder, double-acting, sodium aluminum sulfate, Leavening agents, baking powder, low-sodium, Desserts, rennin, tablets, unsweetened, Cereals ready-to-eat, GENERAL MILLS, Whole Grain TOTAL.
What happens if I don't get enough Calcium?
Long-term shortfall draws calcium from bone, increasing the risk of low bone density and osteoporosis.