4727.0.55.005 - Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey: Nutrition Results - Food and Nutrients, 2012-13  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 20/03/2015  First Issue
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CALCIUM

Calcium is a mineral required for the growth and maintenance of the bones and teeth, and for the proper functioning of the muscular and cardiovascular systems. Milk, milk-based foods and fortified dairy substitutes are the richest sources of calcium, although it is also found in smaller amounts in sardines and other bony fish, legumes and certain nuts.1

Calcium, Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) and mean daily intake, by age

Age (years)
EAR (mg)(a)
Mean intake (mg)(b)
MalesFemalesMalesFemales
2-3360360882807
4-8
9-13 		520
800-1,050		520
800-1,050		698
729		664
685
14-181,0501,050787539
19-30 840840780595
31-50840840734586
51 and over840-1,1001,100581566
    Source:
    (a) National Health and Medical Research Council 2006, Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand, Canberra: National Health and Medical Research Council <http://www.nrv.gov.au/nutrients/calcium>
    (b) Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey: Nutrition results- Food and Nutrients, 2012-13

The daily amount of calcium consumed from foods and beverages by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people averaged 734 mg for males and 611 mg for females. Between the ages of 9 and 18 years, where the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) ranges from 800-1,050 mg per day, both males and females had average intakes below the EARs based on their reported foods and beverages. Females in older age groups also had average intakes of calcium less than the respective EARs, as did males aged 51 years and over.

Milk products and dishes were the major source of calcium, providing 44%; mainly from Dairy milk (24%), Cheese (11%) and Flavoured milks and milkshakes (4.4%). Other food groups contributing calcium included: Cereals and cereal products (14%), Cereal based products and dishes (13%) and Non-alcoholic beverages (9.7%) (see Table 10.53).

Graph Image for Average daily calcium intake(a)(b) by age and sex, 2012-13

Footnote(s): (a) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 2 years and over. (b) On the day prior to interview.

Source(s): Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey: Nutrition Results – Foods and Nutrients, 2012-13



Was there a difference by remoteness?
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in non-remote areas (711 mg) had a higher calcium intake than those in remote areas (530 mg) (see Table 1.1).

How did this compare with non-Indigenous people?
The average calcium intake for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population was 673 mg, lower than the average intake for the non-Indigenous population (807 mg) (see Table 1.1 and Table 1.3).

Although Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people consumed a similar proportion of dairy milk as non-Indigenous people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people consumed less cheese, frozen milk products and yoghurt. This has contributed to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people having a lower calcium intake than non-Indigenous people.


ENDNOTES

1. National Health and Medical Research Council 2006, Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand, Canberra: National Health and Medical Research Council, <http://www.nrv.gov.au/nutrients/calcium>, Last accessed 20/02/2015.