Overview

Calcium is an essential micronutrient that is especially important during pregnancy. Despite its importance, approximately half of the world’s population consumes insufficient calcium. The risk is particularly high in low- and middle-income countries, where average intakes often fall significantly below the recommended 800 – 1000 mg/day for adults. This widespread issue represents a major yet addressable public health challenge.

Data Source

This visualization synthesizes comprehensive data from systematic literature reviews and published studies on calcium consumption patterns worldwide during pregnancy. The map presents standardized intake (mg/day) estimates, allowing for direct comparison across countries and regions.

Strategic Applications

This map serves as a powerful tool for identifying populations with critically low calcium intake in pregnant women—areas where nutritional interventions such as food fortification programs or targeted supplementation for pregnant women could yield substantial health benefits. When analyzed alongside health outcome data and existing policy frameworks, this visualization enables evidence-based decision-making for nutrition program planning, resource allocation, and policy development.

Further Reading

• Shlisky, J., Mandlik, R., Askari, S., Abrams, S., Belizan, J. M., Bourassa, M. W., … & Weaver, C. (2022). Calcium deficiency worldwide: prevalence of inadequate intakes and associated health outcomes. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1512(1), 10-28. View article
• Cormick, G., & Belizán, J. M. (2019). Calcium intake and health. Nutrients, 11(7), 1606. View article
• Balk, E. M., Adam, G. P., Langberg, V. N., Earley, A., Clark, P., Ebeling, P. R., … & Wong, J. B. (2017). Global dietary calcium intake among adults: a systematic review. Osteoporosis International, 28(12), 3315-3324. View article

Last updated: 8/1/25