Abstract
This study was to assess calcium and vitamins D intake among children and adolescents living in five areas in South Sinai. Twenty four hour dietary recall and Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was obtained from 862 children and adolescents with the mean age 4-18 years old. Milk and dairy products consumption in studied areas ranged between 40% serving three times / week and 60% consuming 5-6 times /week. The mean milk and dairy products, fishes and eggs consumption is far less than the WHO and USDA food guide recommendations. Calcium intake ranged from 133-349 mg/day in all 5 areas. All obtained intake values were below the recommended needs for calcium intake. Vitamin D intake ranged from 0.27-1.18 mu g/d in all 5 areas. These intakes equal 5.86-36.22% of the recommend dietary allowances. The vitamin D intake of the adolescents in age group (15-18 years) of Saint Kathrene area was higher than that of other sites on the same age group. There is a clear need for improving nutrition message through various media and to monitor these messages closely to ensure that these are clearly and fully understood. In addition, supplementation of vitamin D and calcium may need separate strategies.