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Global Calcium Bioavailability
Tasija Karosas1, Emily Reyes2, Shavawn Forester2
1The International Life Sciences Institute, Washington DC, USA.
The Journal of Nutrition
|July 27, 2026
Summary
Global calcium adequacy is often overestimated. This study reveals that only 30.7% of dietary calcium is bioavailable, with significant shortfalls in Africa and Southeast Asia, highlighting the need for improved public health strategies.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Public Health
- Food Science
Background:
- Global calcium intake shortfalls are prevalent, yet current assessments overlook bioavailability.
- Estimating calcium adequacy solely by total calcium content is insufficient.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate bioavailable calcium in the global food supply using the Weaver et al. algorithm.
- To compare bioavailable calcium with recommended intakes and identify regional disparities.
- To pinpoint areas needing public health interventions for calcium adequacy.
Main Methods:
- Integrated Food and Agriculture Organization Food Balance Sheets with FoodData Central nutrient data.
- Applied the Weaver et al. algorithm, considering calcium load, phytate, and oxalate.
- Calculated per capita bioavailable calcium by country and region.
Main Results:
- Average calcium bioavailability was estimated at 30.7%, lower than total calcium content.
- Bioavailable calcium supply fell below recommended intakes in Africa and Southeast Asia.
- The algorithm successfully estimated bioavailable calcium across the global food supply.
Conclusions:
- Accounting for calcium bioavailability offers a more accurate assessment of adequacy.
- Identified critical regions requiring targeted public health strategies to enhance bioavailable calcium access.
- Bioavailability adjustments are essential for understanding global calcium status.
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