Calcium helps growing teens build strong bones, but a recent study found that more than half of all young adults aren’t getting enough of the essential mineral. Researchers surveyed the eating habits of more than 1,500 teens at an average age of 16 and again when participants entered their 20s. They found that, over a span of about five years, males and females reduced their average daily calcium intake by about 194 and 153 milligrams, respectively. The culprits? In addition to lactose intolerance, researchers blamed the calcium drop on too much TV time, a dislike for milk, infrequent family meals, and a diet heavy on fast food and soft drinks.
Source: Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, July/August 2009

Get Your Calcium Here!
Help your teen get the recommended daily intake of calcium (1,300 milligrams per day for children between 9 and 18; 1,000 milligrams for adults 19 and over) by stocking up on these calcium-rich foods or taking a daily supplement.