Three 8-ounce glasses of milk per day will achieve adequate calcium intake for which age group?

• A. 9 to 13 years
• B. 4 to 8 years
• C. 1 to 3 years
• D. 13 to 18 years

Answer: (B)

Calcium needs rise with age, and milk is a convenient way to meet those needs because a cup of milk provides about 300 mg of calcium. Three 8-ounce glasses give roughly 900 mg. The age group in which this amount lines up best with daily needs is 4 to 8 years, whose calcium requirement is around 1000 mg per day. The 900 mg from three glasses is close enough that, with small additional calcium from other foods, the daily target can be met. In older teens, the requirement is higher (about 1300 mg), so three cups would be insufficient, while younger children have a lower need, so three cups would exceed or meet theirs more easily.