What is the calcium intake recommendation for adolescents aged 9-18 years?

For adolescents aged 9-18 years, the recommendation for calcium intake is indeed 1300 mg per day. This is crucial because this age range is characterized by rapid bone growth and development, particularly during puberty. Adequate calcium intake during these formative years is essential for achieving optimal peak bone mass, which can influence bone health in adulthood and reduce the risk of osteoporosis later in life.

The body requires higher levels of calcium during adolescence compared to other life stages to support the increases in bone density that are occurring. By ensuring sufficient calcium intake during this period, individuals can enhance their bone structure and overall skeletal health.

In contrast, options like 500 mg, 800 mg, and 210 mg do not meet the established nutritional guidelines for adolescents and would be inadequate to support the bone growth needs during this critical stage of development.