Calcium in the diet of selected groups of people]

Calcium-content was determined in 23,557 daily food rations of the individuals fed individually or in sets of food or meals prepared in various institutions (3,298) in 1975-1987. Calcium deficit in daily food of girls and adult women has ranged from 50% to 6.2% in comparison with daily intakes recommended in Poland. Mean content of calcium per 1000 kcal ranged from 191.6 mg to 276.2 mg in 24 of the analysed meals. Calcium deficit amounted to 14-37.4% in 20 out of 24 analysed daily meals for boys and men. Calcium content in the remaining daily food rations was equal or even higher than the Polish daily intake recommendation. A mean calcium content per 1000 kcal ranged from 211.6 mg to 342.1 mg. These results suggest, that the daily calcium intake in several groups of the general population is to low, especially in women. Authors suggest, that such a low calcium intake in the diet increases the risk of osteoporosis, and intoxications with lead and cadmium salts, especially in children.