Dairy offers good value as source of calcium

Fact sheet

When it comes to getting your money’s worth, nothing beats milk, cheese and yogurt as sources of calcium.

“Penny per penny, one gallon of low-fat or fat-free milk provides about twice as much calcium as fortified soy beverages, apple or orange juice, breakfast bars or fortified bread,” said Janet Grubbs, director of nutrition and communications for the Southeast United Dairy Industry Association (SUDIA).

As calcium has become the mineral of the decade, linked to everything from osteoporosis prevention to weight management, more and more calcium-fortified foods have hit the market.

“While juice and other foods are important parts of the diet, they don’t provide the calcium you can get from milk, cheese and yogurt,” Grubbs said.

Research and a price analysis support milk as one of the least expensive calcium sources, especially when compared to other non-dairy, calcium-fortified foods.
 
A study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association revealed milk as the most economical source of calcium by providing more calcium per penny when compared to other school lunch foods.

Researchers at Kansas State University examined the nutrient content of school lunch components, including milk, and compared the costs of other food items.  The results revealed that milk contributed the most calcium and protein per 100 calories and per penny – making milk a nutrient-packed yet cost effective component for school lunch.
 
And, a cost analysis reinforces milk as an economical calcium source.  One gallon of low-fat or fat-free milk offers about 12mg of calcium per penny, while one gallon of calcium-fortified orange juice contains about 7mg of calcium per penny and fortified soy beverages offer even less at about 3.2mg per penny.

Today, nine out of 10 women and seven out of 10 men fail to meet their daily calcium requirements, which can lead to osteoporosis.  Adults can help meet their daily calcium requirement of 1,000mg with just three servings of milk or milk group foods a day.

“Calcium is critical for strong bones and healthy bodies,” Grubbs said. “So many Americans fail to get what they need.”

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