Non-dairy Sources of Calcium

Dairy products are an important source of calcium which is essential for healthy bones and teeth. Calcium is particularly important for children, teenagers and young adults because their bones are still growing so their calcium requirements are high and if you don't get enough calcium while your bones are still growing you are more likely to suffer from osteoporosis later in life. For this reason it's important that you choose a milk alternative which is fortified with calcium and also vitamin D because this facilitates the absorption of calcium. Other non dairy sources of calcium include dried apricots, canned fish like sardines, pilchards and salmon which are eaten along with their bones, tofu, almonds, oranges, baked beans and sesame seeds.