Navigating Essential Minerals: Understanding Recommended Daily Intake Across Diverse Demographics
Minerals are essential for various bodily functions, including bone health, muscle function, and nerve transmission.
Let's delve into the RDA for essential minerals across different demographic groups, including age, gender, and special populations:
Calcium:
- Infants (0-6 months): 200 mg
- Children (1-3 years): 700 mg
- Adults(19-50 years):1,000 mg
- Adults(51-70 years):1,000 mg
- Adults (71+ years): 1,200 mg
- Pregnant & Lactating Females (14-18 years): 1,300 mg
- Pregnant & Lactating Females (19-50 years): 1,000 mg
Iron:
- Infants (0-6 months): 0.27 mg
- Children (1-3 years): 7 mg
- Adults (19-50 years): Males: 8 mg & Females: 18 mg
- Adults (51+ years): 8 mg (males), 8 mg (females)
- Pregnant Females: 27 mg
- Lactating Females: 9 mg
Magnesium:
- Infants (0-6 months): 30 mg
- Children (1-3 years): 80 mg
- Adults (19-30 years): Males: 400 mg & Females: 310 mg
- Adults (31+ years): Males: 420 mg & Females: 320 mg
- Pregnant Females: 350-360 mg
- Lactating Females: 310-320 mg
Zinc:
- Infants (0-6 months): 2 mg
- Children (1-3 years): 3 mg
- Adults (19+ years): Males: 11 mg & Females: 8 mg
- Pregnant Females: 11-12 mg
- Lactating Females: 12-13 mg
Potassium:
- Infants (0-6 months): 400 mg
- Children(1-3 years):3,000 mg
- Adults (19+ years): 4,700 mg
These figures represent the RDA for essential minerals established by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) and may vary based on individual health conditions, dietary preferences, and lifestyle factors.
Consulting with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian can provide personalized mineral intake recommendations based on individual needs.
Understanding and meeting the RDA for minerals across different demographic groups is vital for supporting overall health and well-being throughout life.