Is soya milk a good source of calcium ?!

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Hi Hannah,

Calcium Fortification of Soy milk
Dairy products provide most of the dietary calcium in Western countries, where soy milk is becoming increasingly popular. Natural soy milk contains only 200 mg calcium per liter, which is 6x less than cow milk. Therefore, most commercial soy milks are fortified with extra calcium up to a level 1200 mg/L, which is the same as that of cow milk. Manufacturers of soy milk use this specific level of 1200 mg/L to provide an alternative calcium source to cow milk. However, the question is do we really need such high calcium levels in soy milk? Obviously, manufacturers want to avoid the debate about optimal calcium levels and simple use same levels as found in cow milk, which is traditionally a recommended source of calcium. However, studies have shown that a higher intake of milk and calcium from milk is associated with a higher risk of osteoporosis. The Harvard's Nurses' Health Study, which involved about 57,000 women, showed that women who consumed the most calcium from dairy products had almost double the rate of hip fractures compared to women who received the least calcium from dairy products.

Best2u
:))

http://www.soya.be/soy-milk-calcium.php

Good sources of calcium include seaweeds such as kelp, wakame and hijiki; nuts and seeds (like almonds and sesame); soya milk blackstrap molasses; beans; figs; quinoa; amaranth; collard greens; okra; rutabaga; broccoli; dandelion leaves; kale; and fortified products such as orange juice and soy milk. An overlooked source of calcium is eggshell, which can be ground into a powder and mixed into food or a glass of water. Cultivated vegetables generally have less calcium than wild plants. '

Milk doesn't contain manganese which is needed to absorb calcium. Blackstrap molasses is a source of calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron; one tablespoon provides up to 20% of the daily value of each of those nutrients. Also, the FDA's constant banter that we need at least a whopping 1,000 mg calcium a day is ridiculous. Most other countries intake a less than half that amount a day and their risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures are a lot lower than the U.S's.

I think it's a better source of calcium of dairy milk because the countries with the highest rates of milk consumption are also the countries with the highest rates of osteoporosis. Scientists are beginning to believe that too much animal protein causes the body to lose calcium. You should also exercise and get adequate vitamin D to keep your bones strong.

http://health.learninginfo.org/osteoporo…

Probably not. Soy contains oxalate's. Oxalate's inhibit your body's ability to absorb calcium and iron. So, while there is calcium in soy, it's not as readily available to your body as the calcium in cow's milk. Hey, you only get one chance to grow good, strong bones to last you for the rest of your life. Don't blow that chance.

From the link:

"Oxalate, or oxalic acid, is a component that occurs naturally in plant foods. Many people try to avoid foods high in oxalate because it can keep your body from properly absorbing calcium and iron from the foods you eat. Consumption of foods high in oxalate may also promote the formation of calcium oxalate kidney stones, which is a painful health condition. If you believe that oxalate-containing foods are affecting your health, see your health practitioner for guidance."

And, yes, soy does contain oxalate.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/302843…

It's a fairly good source of calcium and protein.