Skim milk products provide as much calcium as whole milk with the added advantages of less fat and cholesterol.

Vegetables such as broccoli, collards, kale, mustard greens, turnip greens, and bok choy, as well as the bones in fish (eg. salmon and sardines) also contain calcium that is easily absorbed. These vegetables, however, contain smaller quantities of calcium per serving than dairy foods.

It is possible for foods to contain calcium and for that calcium to have limited availability to the body. The reason is that these foods contain calcium-binding substances called oxalates (found in many green vegetables) or phytates (found in unleavened grain products). Of these two substances, oxalates are considered more potent in their ability to restrict calcium absorption

While spinach contains calcium, it also contains oxalates — as do beet greens, chard, and rhubarb — that bind with calcium and interfere with its absorption. Even though the substances contained in these foods inhibit calcium absorption, experts agree that the benefits you derive from the other important nutrients contained in this group of foods far outweigh the negative effects of their tendency to block calcium absorption.

Calcium loss through the urine is increased by excess consumption of salt, caffeine and protein.

Vitamin D for Calcium Absorption
Vitamin D is crucial to calcium absorption. In fact, it increases calcium absorption by as much as 30% to 80%. Adults should get 400 IUs of vitamin D per day (older adults should receive between 400 and 800).

The easiest and most natural way to get Vitamin D is from exposure to sunlight, which causes the body to manufacture its own. Just 15 minutes a day of summer sun exposure, even if only on the arms, face and hands, will greatly enhance Vitamin D production.

Although there are few food sources of Vitamin D, milk does contain significant amounts. (Fortified with Vitamin D, it contains 100 IUs per 250 ml glass). Foods such as margarine, eggs, chicken livers, salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel, swordfish, and fish oils (halibut and cod liver oils) all contain small amounts.

Minerals and Bone Health
Minerals like manganese, copper, and magnesium are important for bone health as they play a part in bone remodelling.

High-fibre Diets and Calcium Absorption
Many foods that are high in fibre also contain phytate, which inhibits calcium absorption. Wheat bran has been shown to have a significant inhibiting effect and, if used in large quantities, could be detrimental. Many experts believe that the positive effects of fibre far outweigh its negative effect on calcium.