Table 17.

Recommended and actual intakes and functions of food sources involved in development of peak bone mass

Food source	Bone-related function	Recommended servingsa			Percentage of population with usual intakes below recommendations
		Children	Males	Females	Children	Males	Females
Dairy (cups)b	Intakes correlated with linear growth, bone mass accrual, reduced fracture	2–3 years: 2	9–13 years: 3	9–13 years: 3	2–3 years: 41	9–13 years: 8	9–13 years: 84
		4–8 years: 2.5	14–18 years: 3	14–18 years: 3	4–8 years: 42	14–18 years: 68	14–18 years: 92
			19–30 years: 3	19–30 years: 3		19–30 years: 80	19–30 years: 94
Fruits (cups)c	Provide micronutrients for optimal bone growth, preserve bone and calcium economy through acid–base balance	2–3 years: 1	9–13 years: 1.5	9–13 years: 1.5	2–3 years: 32	9–13 years: 78	9–13 years: 81
		4–8 years: 1–1.5	14–18 years: 2	14–18 years: 1.5	4–8 years: 63	14–18 years: 87	14–18 years: 85
			19–30 years: 2	19–30 years: 2		19–30 years: 89	19–30 years: 93
Vegetables (cups)	Provide micronutrients for optimal bone growth, preserve bone and calcium economy through acid–base balance	2–3 years: 1	9–13 years: 2.5	9–13 years: 2	2–3 years: 80	9–13 years: 96	9–13 years: 95
		4–8 years: 1.5	14–18 years: 3	14–18 years: 2.5	4–8 years: 92	14–18 years: 97	14–18 years: 99
			19–30 years: 3	19–30 years: 2.5		19–30 years: 93	19–30 years: 94

^aBased on the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which may be accessed via http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2010/dietaryguidelines2010.pdf (modified from: http://www.choosemyplate.gov)

^bRecommended servings of dairy are determined by age

^cRecommended servings of fruits and vegetables are determined by age, sex, and level of physical activity