Is Orange Juice With Calcium And Vitamin D Good For You?

How much vitamin D is in orange juice?

Major brands are selling orange juice with about 350 milligrams (mg ) of calcium and 100 international units of vitamin D added to each 8-ounce serving. Many Americans don’t get enough vitamin D, so I am happy to see the addition of vitamin D.

Calcium is an essential nutrient, and we certainly need some for healthy bones and other critical functions. But beyond about 800 mg a day–and it might be as little as 400 to 500 mg–there doesn’t appear to be much additional benefit, except, perhaps, some slight protection against colon cancer. And in large amounts, calcium may cause some harm.

And in large amounts, calcium may cause some harm. Studies have found an association between calcium supplements and kidney stones. Other research has linked large amounts of calcium in the diet to an increased chance of heart attack or stroke.

How much calcium is in orange juice?

An 8-ounce glass of fortified orange juice contains about 30% of the recommended Daily Value of calcium, similar to an equal serving of milk. 4 Calcium in fortified OJ is also well-absorbed. 1.

Foods High in Calcium. Milk isn’t the only way to get your daily recommended intake of calcium. Some non-dairy options include calcium-fortified orange juice, kale, soybeans, some varieties of tofu, canned sardines, and white beans. 4. An 8-ounce glass of fortified orange juice contains about 30% of the recommended Daily Value of calcium, …

Kids, Teens & Young Adults 1 Maximum bone density is reached by early adulthood; thus, it is very important children and teens consume enough calcium. 2 2 Supporting the immune system, vitamin D helps cells fight infection. 6 3 Fortified orange juice can provide almost one-third of the calcium and vitamin D needs of children in a recommended serving (6 oz for kids under 7 years; 8 oz for older kids . 7) 4 Vitamin D-fortified orange juice has been shown to increase vitamin D blood levels in children. 9 5 Fortified orange juice has been shown to be similar to milk in positively affecting markers of bone growth in children. 8

Calcium is necessary for the healthy and development of bones and teeth, and it participates in blood pressure regulation, blood clotting, muscle contraction, and nerve signal transmission. 1,2.

Calcium is primarily stored in bones. If we don’t get enough calcium from our diet, the body will take calcium from bones to ensure normal cell function. This can lead to weakened bones over time and may raise the risk of osteoporosis. 1,2 Calcium and vitamin D have been identified as nutrients of concern in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans because most people do not consumer adequate amounts of these nutrients. 3

Very few foods contain appreciable amounts of vitamin D – fortified orange juice, fortified dairy, eggs, fish, and mushrooms. 4 While orange juice does not naturally contain vitamin D, 8 ounces of fortified orange juice contains 15% of the recommended daily value.* Fortified foods provide most of the vitamin D in an average American’s diet 3 making fortified orange juice a convenient way to consume vitamin D.

Calcium may help some pregnant women maintain healthy blood pressure. 2 . Fortified orange juice is an excellent, non-dairy source of calcium, typically providing about 350 milligrams per serving, or 30% of the daily needs for pregnant women. 2,4*.