Do you know calcium is a mineral that is essentially required for a child's growth daily??

Do you know calcium is necessary for strong bones??

Do you know calcium deficiency in children can cause seizures??

Do you know if the mother is calcium deficient during pregnancy & breastfeeding, the baby might have calcium deficiency??

Do you know calcium deficiency can cause bow legs, delayed teething, fragile bones??

So from above lines you would have known that how important is calcium for children

From this article you will learn everything about calcium requirements in children and how to make sure your child is getting enough.

Calcium for Children's Bone Health

Calcium is essential for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth in children. The amount of calcium absorbed by the bones is determined by the amount of calcium consumed and the amount of vitamin D obtained.

If calcium is not stored, it is taken from the bones for use in other parts of the body, leading to weak and brittle bones, which can lead to osteoporosis in adulthood. Calcium deficiency can cause health problems related to weak bones, poor growth, and soft bones that lead to rickets in children.

Recommended Intake of Calcium

The RDA of calcium for various age groups of children are-

• Infant (0-12 months) - 500 mg/d
• Child (1-8 years) - 600 mg/d
• Child ( ≥9 years) - 800 mg/d

Benefits of Calcium:

• Builds and maintains strong bones and teeth in children.
• Helps prevent osteoporosis in adulthood.
• Assists in muscle function and blood clotting.
• Supports nerve function.
• Helps regulate blood pressure.

Risks of Calcium Deficiency in Children:

• Weak and brittle bones.
• Poor growth.
• Soft bones that lead to rickets.
• Tooth decay.
• Increased risk of fractures.

Foods to Boost Your Child’s Calcium Intake:

• Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese.
• Soy products like soy milk, tofu, soy yogurt, and soy cheese.
• Almonds, oranges, green veggies like broccoli and spinach, beans, lentils, whole grains, sesame seeds, and eggs.

Non-dairy options for lactose intolerant children:

• Dairy-alternative milk (plant-based milk).
• Calcium-fortified juice.
• Calcium-fortified dairy-alternative milk.
• Seasoned tofu made with calcium sulfate.
• Soybeans and green leafy vegetables.

Tips for Parents:

• Encourage your child to consume calcium-rich foods.
• Create interesting recipes to make them appealing to your child.
• Talk to your child's pediatrician about calcium supplements if needed.

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