I missed the beginning of the calcium discussion but here is my two cents:

My children have been recently diagnosed with a genetic disease called
pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) .  In persons with this disease their
connective tissue calcifies.  One of the suggested attempts at slowing the
disease is to limit their Ca intake to 400 to 600 mg/day.  (They are 5 and
7.)  I researched this a bit and found that the USA may be compulsive about
Ca.  In many other countries the intake of Ca is much less than the US and
there is little osteo in later life.  It appears that the ratio of
Mg-Ca-Phosphorus and other minerals is more important than the amount of Ca.
 It also seems that the amount of protein that people in the US eat inhibits
absorbtion of Ca so they have to eat more.

You have given me an idea.  I have been trying to find a nutricianist who
will go the distance with me on this one (can't find one) - someone to help
me determine the balance that the kids will need and not over-indulge in Ca.
 I think I will try BM ratios and see how that does.  It is good they nursed
till they were 3, we avoided some unnecesssary Ca.

The RDA for Ca is suppose to be raised soon.  It is interesting that if you
remove all dairy products from a child's diet, the average kids still gets
400 - 500 mg of Ca/day anyway.  (if there is such a thing as an average
kid...)

Sorry to go on - just excited baout this new 'lead'...

Sharon Fontaine Terry