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Calcium

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8-ounces of calcium-fortified 100% grapefruit juice is an excellent source of calcium and provides 25% of the Daily Value,<sup>*</sup> similar to an equal serving of milk.

What is Calcium?

Calcium is an electrolyte and the most abundant mineral in the body. Calcium is necessary for the healthy development of bones and teeth, and it participates in blood pressure regulation, blood clotting, muscle contraction, and nerve signal transmission.1,2

Benefits of Calcium

Calcium is primarily stored in bones. If we don’t get enough calcium from our diet, the body will take calcium from bones to ensure normal cell function. This can lead to weakened bones over time and may raise the risk of osteoporosis.1,2 Calcium has been identified as a nutrient of concern in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans because most people do not consumer adequate amounts.3

Foods High in Calcium

Milk and other dairy foods aren’t the only way to get your daily recommended intake of calcium. Some non-dairy options include calcium-fortified citrus juices, kale, soybeans, some varieties of tofu, canned sardines, and white beans.4

Calcium needs are highest for children and adolescents age 9 through 18, as well as adults over the age of 50.2

Life Stage Benefits

Below are age specific benefits calcium provides the body.

Prenatal

  • Calcium supports the health and formation of bones in mother and child. This is especially important in the later stages of pregnancy when the baby’s skeleton is developing.
  • Calcium may help some pregnant women maintain healthy blood pressure.2
  • Fortified grapefruit juice is an excellent, non-dairy source of calcium, typically providing about 350 mg per 8-ounce serving, or about 35% of the daily needs for pregnant women.2,4*

Kids, Teens & Young Adults

  • Maximum bone density is reached by early adulthood; thus, it is very important children and teens consume enough calcium.2
  • Fortified grapefruit juice can provide at least one-quarter of the calcium needs of children in a recommended serving (6 oz for kids under 7 years; 8 oz for older kids.5)

Adults

  • Bones are constantly being remodeled and the entire skeleton is replaced about every 10 years.2 Adequate calcium along with vitamin D, as part of a balanced diet and physical activity, may help reduce the risk of osteoporosis.3
  • Calcium requirements are higher in persons older than 50 years.2 Therefore, calcium-fortified grapefruit juice can make meaningful contributions to calcium intake for older age groups.
Learn more about the health benefits of fresh Florida Grapefruit and Florida Grapefruit Juice. * Daily Value: Based on a 2000 calorie diet. FDA rounding rules applied when calculating percent DV based upon 2018 rules. Information is not intended for labeling food in packaged form. Nutrient values may vary based on brand or product types.
  1. Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health. (2017). Dietary supplement fact sheet: Calcium.
  2. Institute of Medicine, Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium and Vitamin D. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2010.
  3. USDA/DHHS. 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
  4. USDA FoodData Central.
  5. Heyman et al. Pediatrics. 2017;139(6):e20170967.

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