Which of the following food items is recommended for increasing calcium intake?

The recommendation to increase calcium intake points strongly toward milk and cheese as excellent sources of this essential mineral. Dairy products like milk and cheese not only provide a significant amount of calcium but also contain other nutrients like protein and vitamins that support bone health.

Calcium is vital for numerous bodily functions, particularly for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth. For individuals looking to boost their calcium intake, incorporating dairy products is a very effective strategy, as they are specifically fortified with calcium and are more easily absorbed by the body compared to many plant-based calcium sources.

While fruit and yogurt can contribute to overall nutrition, yogurt's calcium content is variable depending on its type. Whole grains and pasta, although healthy choices, contain much lower levels of calcium compared to dairy products. Similarly, chicken and fish contain calcium, but not in as concentrated amounts as dairy. Therefore, milk and cheese stand out as the most effective and recommended food items for increasing calcium intake.