Topic Contents
Nonmilk Sources of Calcium
Topic Overview Back to top
Milk, yogurt, and cheese provide a lot of calcium. But there are other foods that have calcium, such as kale, broccoli, and Chinese cabbage. You can also get calcium by eating the soft bones of canned sardines and canned salmon. And calcium is sometimes added to tofu, soy and rice drinks, fruit juice, and cereal.
The following nonmilk foods can provide calcium for people who don't include milk in their diets. 1
|
Food, serving size |
Milligrams of calcium |
|---|---|
|
Almonds, 1 oz (about 24 nuts) |
75 |
|
Sunflower seeds, 1/4 cup |
22 |
|
Food, serving size |
Milligrams of calcium |
|---|---|
|
Broccoli, cooked, 1 cup |
62 |
|
Kale, cooked, 1 cup |
94 |
|
Chinese cabbage, cooked, 1 cup |
158 |
|
Food, serving size |
Milligrams of calcium |
|---|---|
|
Tofu (with added calcium), 1/4 block |
163 |
|
Canned salmon with bones, 3 oz |
181 |
|
Calcium-fortified orange juice, 1 cup (8 fl oz) |
349 |
|
Calcium-fortified soy milk, 1 cup (8 fl oz) |
299 |
Notice that some greens, notably spinach and Swiss chard, are not included in this list. Even though these foods have a lot of calcium, very little calcium from these foods is available to the body, because the foods contain binders that prevent the calcium from being absorbed.
Some people who avoid dairy foods take supplements to be sure they are getting enough calcium and vitamin D.
If you are concerned about your diet and calcium intake, talk to a registered dietitian.
Related Information Back to top
References Back to top
Citations
Credits Back to top
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Rhonda O'Brien, MS, RD, CDE - Certified Diabetes Educator |
| Last Revised | January 25, 2013 |
- Top of Page
-
Next Section:
Related Information
-
Previous Section:
Topic Overview - Top of Page
-
Next Section:
References
-
Previous Section:
Related Information - Top of Page
-
Next Section:
Credits
-
Previous Section:
References - Top of Page
Last Revised: January 25, 2013
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Rhonda O'Brien, MS, RD, CDE - Certified Diabetes Educator
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
To learn more visit Healthwise.org
© 1995-2013 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.








