How to Get Calcium as a Vegan

Are you a vegan looking to make sure you’re getting enough calcium? You’re in the right place! Calcium is super important for your bones, muscles, hormones, and nerves. In this article, we’ll explore plant-based sources of calcium that you can easily add to your vegan lifestyle.

Dark leafy greens like kale and broccoli, legumes such as soybeans and chickpeas, and seeds like chia and sesame are all great options. We’ll also talk about calcium-fortified foods and drinks, and how to maximize levels of calcium absorption from plant sources.

Key Takeaways

• Leafy greens such as kale, collard greens, and bok choy are excellent sources of calcium for vegans.
• Calcium-fortified plant milks and tofu can also provide a significant amount of calcium in a vegan diet.
• Legumes like soybeans, white beans, and chickpeas are good plant-based sources of calcium.
• Chia seeds, sesame seeds, and flaxseeds are nutritious vegan sources of calcium.

Importance of Calcium In Vegan Diet

Calcium is an essential nutrient for our bones and teeth. This mineral is renowned for its role in bone formation and preservation, but also plays a crucial role in muscle contraction, regulating blood pressure, nerve signal transmission, and blood clotting.

For adults, the Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) is set at 1,000 mg per day. This requirement increases to 1,200 mg daily for individuals over 50 years old, and to 1,300 mg daily for children between the ages of 4 and 18.

Exploring vegan calcium sources, such as leafy greens, tofu, and fortified plant-based milks, can be a beneficial strategy for those following a plant-based diet. 

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Calcium-Rich Dark Leafy Greens

To ensure you meet your calcium needs as a vegan, it’s essential to include dark leafy greens in your diet. Dark leafy greens are excellent vegan sources of calcium and are considered calcium-rich foods. 

For example, a cooked 1/2 cup serving (70–95 grams, depending on the type) of spinach, bok choy, turnip, mustard, and collard greens offers 84–142 mg of calcium, which is about 8–14% of the Recommended Daily Intake (RDI).

Other vegetables high in calcium include okra, kale, cabbage, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts, which offer approximately 3–6% of the RDI for each cooked 1/2 cup serving (60–80 grams).

However, it’s important to note that these vegetables also contain varying levels of antinutrients like oxalates. Oxalates can bind to calcium in the digestive system, reducing the body’s ability to absorb it. Research indicates that the body may only absorb about 5% of the calcium present in some vegetables with high oxalate content.

These greens can be cooked and added to various dishes or enjoyed as a side dish. Sautéing them in olive oil with fresh garlic can add a delicious flavor.

Legumes and Soy Products

Include legumes and soy products in your vegan diet to ensure an adequate intake of calcium. These plant-based foods are rich sources of calcium and can help you meet your daily requirements.

Here are three options to consider:

• Soybeans: With 175 mg of calcium per cup, soybeans provide 18% of the recommended daily intake (RDI). Incorporate soybeans into your meals by adding them to stir-fries, salads, or soups.
• White beans: One cup of white beans contains 161 mg of calcium, covering 16% of the RDI. Use white beans in dishes like chili, stews, or as a base for plant-based spreads like hummus.
• Navy beans: Providing 126 mg of calcium per cup, navy beans offer 13% of the RDI. Add navy beans to salads, soups, or use them as a filling for tacos or wraps.

Meet Your Daily Calcium Intake With Seeds

You can easily incorporate seeds into your vegan diet to boost your calcium intake and meet your daily requirements. Seeds are calcium-rich plant sources that can provide you with this important mineral.

Chia seeds, for example, are packed with calcium, offering 179 mg per ounce. Sesame seeds are also a great option, containing 88 mg of calcium per tablespoon. Flaxseeds provide a smaller amount, with 26 mg of calcium per tablespoon, but can still contribute to your overall intake. Pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds are other seed options that contain smaller amounts of calcium.

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Calcium Fortified Foods and Drinks

Boost your calcium intake by incorporating calcium-fortified foods and drinks into your vegan diet. These fortified options can be a convenient and reliable source of calcium, ensuring you meet your daily requirements.

Here are three items to consider:

• Calcium-Fortified Plant Milks: Look for plant milks that are fortified with calcium, as they can provide 20-30% of your daily calcium needs in just one cup. Check the Nutrition Facts label to confirm if the plant milk is fortified.
• Calcium-Fortified Tofu: Some tofu brands are made with calcium sulfate, making them a good source of calcium. Check the Nutrition Facts label to see if the tofu contains calcium. Use calcium-set tofu in various dishes like stir-fries or grilled tofu.
• Calcium-Fortified Breakfast Cereals: Consider incorporating calcium-fortified breakfast cereals into your morning routine. These cereals can provide 10-25% of your daily calcium needs per serving.

Enhancing Calcium Absorption

To optimize the absorption of calcium in your plant-based diet, consider incorporating certain nutrients and practices. Increasing your intake of vitamin D and vitamin C can aid in calcium absorption. Vitamin D can be obtained from sunlight exposure and certain plant-based foods, while vitamin C, found in fruits and vegetables, helps maintain bone health. Additionally, consuming calcium-rich foods with intention and considering cooking methods can enhance calcium absorption. Incorporating a well-balanced, plant-based diet can also lead to increased calcium absorption. Below is a table highlighting some plant-based foods high in calcium to help you make informed choices:

Plant-Based Food	Calcium Content
Kale	101 mg/cup
Bok Choy	74 mg/cup
Collard Greens	84 mg/cup
Broccoli	43 mg/cup
Almonds	76 mg/ounce

Bioavailability of Calcium

Calcium bioavailability can be influenced by various factors, such as the source of calcium and the way it’s prepared. When following a plant-based diet, it’s important to choose calcium sources that have high bioavailability to ensure optimal absorption.

Here are three key considerations for maximizing the bioavailability of calcium in a vegan diet:

• Choose calcium-rich plant-based foods: Incorporate calcium-rich foods like kale, broccoli, and bok choy, which have higher bioavailability compared to dairy sources. These plant-based options provide readily absorbable calcium for your body.
• Opt for low-oxalate plant foods: Some plant-based foods contain oxalic acid, which can hinder calcium absorption. By selecting low-oxalate options like kale and bok choy, you can enhance the bioavailability of calcium.
• Consider food preparation methods: The way you prepare plant-based calcium sources can affect their bioavailability. Cooking, fermenting, sprouting, or soaking certain foods can help remove oxalates and phytates, which can hinder calcium absorption.

Conclusion

In conclusion, as a vegan, it’s important to ensure you’re getting enough calcium in your diet. Incorporating dark leafy greens, legumes, seeds, and calcium-fortified foods and drinks can help meet your calcium needs.

Remember to enhance calcium absorption by pairing calcium-rich foods with vitamin D sources and maximizing the bioavailability of calcium from plant sources.

With these tips, you can maintain optimal bone health and meet your calcium requirements as a vegan.

Two More Recommendations for Your Plant-Based Journey

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