The amount you need depends on your age and gender. The National Academy of Sciences offers these guidelines for calcium:

• Babies and toddlers ages 1 to 3 years need 700 mg each day
• Children ages 4 to 8 years need 1,000 mg each day
• Older children and teens ages 9 to 18 years need 1,300 mg each day
• Adults ages 19 to 50 need 1,000 mf each day
• Older adults ages 51 and older) need 1,200 mg each day

Pregnant and nursing mothers younger than 19 need 1,300 mg each day. Pregnant and nursing mothers ages 19 and older need 1,000 mg each day. You also need vitamin D to help your body absorb calcium from food.