Is 1200 mg of calcium too much?
1,200 milligrams of calcium is within the adult upper limit of 2,500 milligrams a day, or 2,000 over age 50. The adult RDA is 1,000 milligrams a day, or 1,200 for women over 50 and everyone over 70.
General information, not medical advice. Check with a doctor or pharmacist before taking a supplement, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take any medicine, or are under 18.
In the UK
1,200 milligrams of calcium is within the NHS guidance of 1,500 milligrams a day from supplements. In the UK, adults need 700 milligrams a day.
The figures
| US (NIH) | UK (NHS) | |
|---|---|---|
| Amount checked | 1,200 mg | |
| Answer | Within the upper limit | Within NHS guidance |
| Compared with | 2,500 milligrams a day, or 2,000 over age 50 | 1,500 milligrams a day from supplements |
| Share of the limit | 48% of the limit | 80% of the limit |
| Adults need | 1,000 milligrams a day, or 1,200 for women over 50 and everyone over 70 | 700 milligrams a day |
Quick answers
- Is 1200 mg of calcium too much?
- 1,200 milligrams of calcium is within the adult upper limit of 2,500 milligrams a day, or 2,000 over age 50. The adult RDA is 1,000 milligrams a day, or 1,200 for women over 50 and everyone over 70.
- What does the NHS say about 1,200 mg of calcium?
- 1,200 milligrams of calcium is within the NHS guidance of 1,500 milligrams a day from supplements. In the UK, adults need 700 milligrams a day.
- What is the upper limit for calcium?
- US: 2,500 milligrams a day, or 2,000 over age 50. UK (NHS): 1,500 milligrams a day from supplements.
Sources
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements fact sheet
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-HealthProfessional/ - NHS vitamins and minerals guidance
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/calcium/
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