Calcium requirements are highest during childhood and adolescents (with the exception of women who have just had a child). A combination of inadequate calcium intake and amenorrhoea in young children and young women has raised concerns about osteoporosis. See National Osteoporosis Foundation for more information.

Calcium interferes with the absorption of iron but calcium and iron are both essential nutrients. To overcome this, increase your iron intake to increase the opportunity for uptake. Females who take both an iron and calcium supplement should take the iron supplement with meals (i.e. at breakfast with orange juice to enhance absorption) and avoid calcium supplements with meals (i.e. take these before bed).

Vegetarian foods rich in calcium: