Objective: To examine calcium intake and food sources among Asian, white and Hispanic youth, in order to develop and target interventions to improve calcium intake.
Methods: Cross-sectional survey with two 24-hour dietary recalls one week apart. Calcium intake was evaluated in 167 male and female adolescents of Asian, Hispanic and white ethnicity, ages 10-18 years, from six states. Main outcome measures were mean daily calcium intake (mg/day).
Statistical analyses performed: t tests, Chi-square and analysis of variance for differences by age, ethnicity and gender, multiple regression of factors influencing calcium intake.
Results: Overall median calcium intake was 938 mg/day with 868 mg/day for Asians, 1180 mg/day for whites and 896 mg/day for Hispanics. Daily milk intake was the primary predictor of calcium intake with Asian ethnicity and female gender each showing a negative association to calcium intake in multiple regression models.
Conclusions: Milk intake was the primary factor positively influencing calcium intake, while Asian ethnicity and female gender negatively influenced calcium intake. Thus, interventions to improve calcium intake should focus on improving milk intake of Asians and females.