Is the calcium in fortified foods just as good as natural sources like dairy?
U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommend 3 servings a day of low-fat or non-fat dairy because dairy is packed with healthy nutrients, not just calcium. Dairy also has potassium and vitamin D. Calcium-fortified foods may not have those other nutrients. Ideally, we should get calcium from natural sources such as dairy. When that is not possible, calcium-fortified foods and calcium supplements are acceptable.