Calcium Content in Chinese Cabbage
Chinese cabbage is recognized as a dietary source of calcium, though specific quantitative values are not provided in the available clinical guidelines.
Calcium Content Information
Chinese cabbage (also known as bok choy or napa cabbage) is listed among calcium-containing vegetables in clinical nutrition guidelines, alongside other leafy greens like kale and broccoli. 1
Context from Clinical Guidelines
- The KDOQI Clinical Practice Guidelines identify Chinese cabbage as a food with calcium content, grouping it with other vegetables that contribute to dietary calcium intake 1
- For comparison, the same guidelines provide specific values for other vegetables: kale contains 100 mg of calcium per 67g serving, and broccoli contains 34 mg per 2 spears 1
- Chinese cabbage is specifically mentioned as having "high calcium content" in the context of foods that should be encouraged for calcium intake 1
Bioavailability Considerations
- The calcium from Chinese cabbage and other leafy green vegetables generally has good bioavailability, though lower than dairy products 1
- Unlike some vegetables high in phytates (such as bran cereal), Chinese cabbage does not have significant calcium absorption inhibitors 1
- The bioavailability of calcium from low-oxalate vegetables like Chinese cabbage is comparable to milk, contrary to common assumptions 2
Clinical Context for Asian Populations
- In Chinese diets, vegetables (including Chinese cabbage) are the primary source of dietary calcium, contributing 30.2-35.2% of total calcium intake 3, 4
- Chinese adults traditionally obtain calcium from plant-based foods rather than dairy products, with vegetables being the predominant source 3, 4, 5
- Studies show that Chinese adults can maintain positive calcium balance with plant-based diets at calcium intakes as low as 300 mg/d through increased fractional calcium absorption 5
Practical Implications
- While Chinese cabbage contributes to dietary calcium, it should be consumed as part of a varied diet to meet the recommended daily intake of 700-1000 mg/day for adults 1
- The median calcium intake among Chinese adults is only 328.3 mg/d, with 94.3% having inadequate calcium intake, highlighting the need for diverse calcium sources 4