Introduction:

calcium intake is fundamental over the whole life cycle; despite this, the world consumption of calcium is deficient. In Central America, there is little data on calcium intake.

Objective:

to evaluate daily calcium intake in the adult population of Costa Rica and Panama.

Methods:

an adult's population (> 18) survey was conducted in both countries. A questionnaire specifically design for the study was applied to subjects that were willing to participate after they signed of the informed consent form. The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) calcium calculator was used to quantify their calcium intake.

Results:

the study included 1189 participants, 50 % were men. The median calcium intake was 862 mg/d (IQR, 650.5 to 1115) in Costa Rica and 825.5 mg/d (IQR, 579.75 to 1029.2) in Panama. Significant differences were found between calcium intake and age group in Costa Ricans, while in the Panamanian population differences were found in calcium intake according to educational level.

Conclusion:

this study is the first one conducted in Central America using the IOF calcium intake calculator. The study shows that calcium intake is deficient in Costa Rica and Panama. It is necessary to establish educational campaigns in both countries to correct this deficiency.

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