Irish teens falling short on calcium as FSAI calls for more dairy

Following the Food Safety Authority of Ireland’s recommendations for more dairy in our diets, research found that over 50% of Irish teenagers have inadequate calcium intake.

The research was commissioned by the National Dairy Council, and it found that Irish teenagers consumed just under two servings of dairy per day, and those who consumed more were found to have a better overall dietary quality.

The FSAI has published their Scientific Recommendations for Food-Based Dietary Guidelines for Adolescents in Ireland, and they recommend four to five daily servings of milk, yoghurt and cheese, depending on activity levels.

The National Dairy Council said that approximately 40% of total bone minerals are established during early teenage years, and around 95% of adult bone mass was achieved 4 years after this.

Dr Mary Harrington, Senior Nutritionist at the National Dairy Council, said: “These new FSAI recommendations reinforce what we’ve consistently highlighted, that adolescence is a critical period for bone development, yet many young people are falling short of the nutrients they need. With 51% of Irish teenagers having inadequate calcium intakes, it’s clear that greater awareness of the importance of nutrition from a young age is needed.”

“The new guidance provides welcome clarity for families navigating conflicting nutritional advice, highlighting the important role that familiar, accessible foods like milk, yoghurt and cheese can play in supporting healthy growth and development.”

CEO of the National Dairy Council Emma Walls added: “Lisa and Nathalie’s experiences show why we need to start these conversations earlier. World Osteoporosis Day is an opportunity to remind younger generations that the foundations for lifelong bone health are built long before older age.”

The National Dairy Council gave two examples of Irish women who understand the importance of prioritising nutrition and long-term health. These are European elite boxing champion Lisa O’Rourke and fitness expert Nathalie Lennon.

Lisa said: “I used to focus so much on making weight and pushing myself in training that I didn’t always give my body what it needed. Going through repeated injuries made me rethink how I approached nutrition and recovery. Working with Sharon Madigan at Sport Ireland Institute has helped me understand the importance of fuelling properly, even when I’m injured. I feel stronger than ever, and I want younger athletes to know that looking after their bodies matters more than reaching a certain weight.”

Nathalie Lennon added: “I spent years focusing on how my body looked rather than how it felt. I thought eating less and training harder meant I was healthy, but discovering that my bone density was lower than expected was a real wake-up call. Bone health wasn’t something I thought about in my twenties. I want young women to look beyond short-term fitness goals and consider how the choices they’re making today could affect their health in years to come.”