How much calcium do toddlers need. Why is calcium crucial for children’s growth. What are the best calcium sources for kids. How to ensure your child gets enough calcium. Can babies have cow’s milk. What role does vitamin D play in calcium absorption. How to supplement calcium for vegan children.

The Importance of Calcium in Child Development

Calcium is a vital mineral that plays a crucial role in children’s growth and development. It’s not just about building strong bones; calcium contributes to various bodily functions. But why is this mineral so essential for kids?

• Builds and maintains strong bones
• Supports proper nerve function
• Aids in muscle contraction
• Contributes to heart health

During childhood and adolescence, our bodies have a unique opportunity to build strong bones. This process sets the foundation for skeletal health throughout adulthood. Adequate calcium intake during these formative years can significantly reduce the risk of osteoporosis later in life.

Is calcium deficiency a concern for young children? Indeed, it can lead to a condition called rickets. This disease softens bones, causing bow legs, stunted growth, and sometimes muscle weakness or soreness. Ensuring proper calcium intake, along with vitamin D, is crucial in preventing this condition.

Calcium Requirements Across Different Age Groups

Calcium needs vary as children grow. Understanding these requirements is essential for parents to ensure their kids receive adequate nutrition. Here’s a breakdown of daily calcium needs by age:

• Babies (0-6 months): 200 mg
• Babies (6-11 months): 260 mg
• Toddlers (1-3 years): 700 mg
• Young children (4-8 years): 1,000 mg
• Older children and teens (9-18 years): 1,300 mg

How can parents ensure their children meet these requirements? The key lies in providing a balanced diet rich in calcium sources. For most children, dairy products are the primary source of calcium. However, there are plenty of alternatives for those who can’t consume dairy.

Top Calcium Sources for Children

Incorporating calcium-rich foods into your child’s diet doesn’t have to be challenging. Here are some excellent sources of calcium:

Dairy Products

• Milk (all fat percentages have similar calcium content)
• Yogurt
• Hard cheeses (e.g., cheddar)

Non-Dairy Sources

• Calcium-set tofu
• Calcium-fortified soy drinks
• Edamame (soybeans)
• Leafy greens (broccoli, collard greens, kale, chard, Chinese cabbage)
• Almonds and sesame seeds
• Legumes (white beans, red beans, chickpeas)
• Fruits (oranges, figs, prunes)

Are fortified foods a good source of calcium? Many food companies add calcium to cereals, bread, juices, and other kid-friendly products, making it easier to meet daily requirements.

Calcium for Infants: Breast Milk vs. Formula

When it comes to infants, their calcium needs are met through breast milk or formula. But which is better for calcium intake?

Both breast milk and formula provide adequate calcium for babies. However, the calcium content in breast milk can vary based on the mother’s diet. Formula is fortified with a standardized amount of calcium to meet infant needs.

Can babies have cow’s milk as a calcium source? It’s crucial to note that cow’s milk, goat’s milk, or homemade formulas should not be given to babies under 1 year old. These can lead to nutritional imbalances and potential health issues.

Strategies to Boost Calcium Intake in Children’s Diets

Ensuring children get enough calcium can be challenging, especially as they grow older and become more independent in their food choices. Here are some creative ways to incorporate more calcium into their diets:

1. Create yogurt parfaits with layers of plain yogurt, fresh fruit, and whole-grain cereal
2. Blend smoothies using low-fat milk or calcium-fortified plant-based milk
3. Add a small amount of strawberry or chocolate syrup to regular milk for flavor
4. Sprinkle low-fat cheese on top of snacks and meals
5. Incorporate white beans into soups and stews
6. Use almond butter instead of peanut butter for a calcium boost
7. Serve edamame as a nutritious snack
8. Top salads or cereals with chickpeas and slivered almonds
9. Include more dark green, leafy vegetables in meals

How can parents make calcium-rich foods more appealing to picky eaters? Try involving children in meal preparation, offering a variety of options, and making food presentation fun and colorful.

The Role of Vitamin D in Calcium Absorption

While calcium is crucial, it can’t work alone. Vitamin D plays a vital role in calcium absorption and utilization in the body. Without adequate vitamin D, the body cannot effectively use the calcium consumed.

Do children need vitamin D supplements? In many cases, yes. Vitamin D isn’t naturally present in many foods children typically eat. Therefore, healthcare providers often recommend vitamin D supplements, especially for:

• Breastfed babies (starting soon after birth)
• Children with limited sun exposure
• Those with darker skin tones
• Children following specific diets (e.g., vegan)

Is fortified milk a good source of vitamin D? Yes, most milk in the U.S. is fortified with vitamin D, making it an excellent source for children who consume dairy.

Special Considerations: Calcium for Children with Dietary Restrictions

Some children may face challenges in getting enough calcium due to dietary restrictions or health conditions. These may include:

• Lactose intolerance
• Milk allergies
• Vegan diets

How can parents ensure these children get enough calcium? Here are some strategies:

1. Offer calcium-fortified plant-based milk alternatives
2. Include a variety of non-dairy calcium sources in meals
3. Consider calcium supplements (under healthcare provider guidance)
4. Ensure adequate vitamin D intake for optimal calcium absorption

Is it possible for vegan children to meet their calcium needs? With careful planning and a varied diet, vegan children can indeed meet their calcium requirements. However, it may require more attention to food choices and possibly supplementation.

Monitoring Calcium Intake: When to Consult a Healthcare Provider

While most children can meet their calcium needs through a balanced diet, some may require additional attention. When should parents consult a healthcare provider about their child’s calcium intake?

• If the child follows a restricted diet (e.g., dairy-free, vegan)
• If there are concerns about growth or bone development
• When considering calcium supplements
• If the child has a medical condition affecting nutrient absorption

Can too much calcium be harmful? While rare, excessive calcium intake can lead to health issues. It’s essential to follow recommended guidelines and consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplements.

Regular check-ups with a pediatrician can help ensure that children are meeting their calcium needs and growing properly. These visits provide an opportunity to discuss any concerns and adjust dietary strategies if necessary.

Calcium plays a crucial role in children’s growth and development, particularly in building strong bones that will serve them throughout their lives. By understanding calcium requirements, incorporating calcium-rich foods into daily meals, and addressing any special dietary needs, parents can help ensure their children receive adequate calcium for optimal health and development.

Remember, every child is unique, and nutritional needs can vary. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice on your child’s calcium intake and overall nutrition.

Calcium (for Parents) – Nemours KidsHealth

en español: Calcio

Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD

What Is Calcium? 

Calcium is a mineral that builds strong bones. It helps the body in lots of other ways too. Calcium keeps the nerves and muscles working. It also plays a role in keeping the heart healthy.

Why Do Kids Need Calcium?

We only get one chance to build strong bones — when we’re kids and teens. Children who get enough calcium start their adult lives with the strongest bones possible. That protects them against bone loss later in life.

Young kids and babies need calcium and vitamin D to prevent a disease called rickets. Rickets softens the bones and causes bow legs, stunted growth, and sometimes sore or weak muscles.

Where Does Calcium Come From?

Calcium is found in food. Some foods are very high in calcium. Dairy foods like these are among the best natural sources of calcium:

• milk
• yogurt
• hard cheeses, like cheddar

The percentage of fat in milk and other dairy foods doesn’t affect their calcium content — nonfat, 1%, 2%, or whole all have about the same amount of calcium. Your health care provider will let you know which type of milk is right for your child.

Some kids can’t eat dairy. They have to get calcium from other foods, such as:

• calcium-set tofu
• calcium-fortified soy drinks
• edamame (soybeans)
• broccoli, collard greens, kale, chard, Chinese cabbage, and other leafy greens
• almonds and sesame seeds
• white beans, red beans, and chickpeas
• oranges, figs, and prunes

Because calcium is so important, food companies often add it to cereal, bread, juice, and other kid-friendly foods.

How Much Calcium Does My Child Need?

Calcium is measured in milligrams (mg). We need different amounts at different stages of life. It’s best if kids get most of their calcium from food. If that’s not possible, health care providers might suggest a calcium supplement.

Babies

Babies get their calcium from breast milk or formula:

• Babies younger than 6 months old need 200 mg of calcium a day.
• Babies 6 to 11 months old need 260 mg of calcium a day.

The only types of milk babies should have are breast milk or formula. Don’t give cow’s milk, goat’s milk, or homemade formula to babies younger than 1 year old..

Kids and Teens

Kids need more calcium as they get older to support their growing bones:

• Kids 1 to 3 years old need 700 mg of calcium a day (2–3 servings).
• Kids 4 to 8 years old need 1,000 mg of calcium a day (2–3 servings).
• Kids and teens 9 to 18 years old need 1,300 mg of calcium a day (4 servings).

How Can I Help My Child Get Enough Calcium?

Babies get all their calcium from breast milk or formula. Young kids and school-age kids who eat a healthy diet with plenty of dairy also get enough. But preteens and teens may need to add more calcium-rich foods to their diet.

Try these tips to make sure kids and teens get enough calcium:

• Make parfaits with layers of plain yogurt, fruit, and whole-grain cereal.
• Make smoothies with fresh fruit and low-fat milk or calcium-fortified soy or almond milk.
• Add fresh fruit or unsweetened apple butter to cottage cheese or yogurt.
• Add a drop of strawberry or chocolate syrup to regular milk. Avoid store-bought flavored milk drinks because they can have a lot of sugar.
• Sprinkle low-fat cheese on top of snacks and meals.
• Add white beans to favorite soups.
• Add sesame seeds to baked goods or sprinkle on vegetables.
• Serve hummus with cut-up vegetables.
• Add tofu to a stir-fry.
• Use almond butter instead of peanut butter.
• Serve edamame as a snack.
• Top salads or cereals with chickpeas and slivered almonds.
• Serve more dark green, leafy vegetables (such as broccoli, kale, collard greens, or Chinese cabbage) with meals.

Kids who can’t eat dairy may not get enough calcium. If your child has lactose intolerance, a milk allergy, or eats a vegan diet, talk to your health care provider about calcium and vitamin D.

What About Vitamin D?

People need vitamin D to help the body absorb calcium. Without it, calcium can’t get where it needs to go to build strong bones.

Vitamin D isn’t in many foods that kids eat. So, health care providers often recommend supplements.

Breastfed babies need a vitamin D supplement, starting soon after birth. Baby formula has vitamin D added, so babies who drink more than 32 ounces of formula a day don’t need extra vitamin D.

Ask your health care provider if your baby or child needs a vitamin D supplement. 

Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD

Date reviewed: February 2021

Share:

/content/kidshealth/misc/medicalcodes/parents/articles/calcium

Calcium-Rich Foods for Kids | Everyday Health

To build strong bones that last a lifetime, children and teens need lots of calcium. Here are a dozen calcium-rich foods, and tips on preparing them for kids.

Medically Reviewed

For growing children and teens, getting enough calcium is crucial to building bone mass, which may help guard against osteoporosis and fractures later in life. But by age 12, fewer than 1 in 10 girls and 1 in 3 boys get adequate daily calcium: 700 mg for children ages 1 to 3; 1,000 mg for ages 4 to 8; and 1,300 mg — equal to about 4 cups of milk — for ages 9 to 18. Here are a dozen kid-friendly ways to get calcium into your child’s daily diet.

Dairy Go-round: Milk, Cheese, and Yogurt

“Small amounts of calcium in other foods add up,” says Ellie Krieger, a registered dietitian who is a mother and an Everyday Health Healthy Eating expert. “But the real dose of calcium for most of us comes from dairy foods.” A cup of cow’s milk has about 300 mg of calcium, about the same as 1 cup of yogurt, 1 1/2 ounces of natural cheese, or 2 ounces of processed cheese. For children age 2 and older, switch to low-fat and nonfat dairy products. And when it comes to flavors, “it’s better to drink plain milk,” says Krieger, “but it’s better to drink flavored milk than no milk.”

Soy Good: Calcium-Fortified Soymilk

What if your child can’t or won’t drink cow’s milk? A variety of foods contain added calcium, including milk, cheese, and yogurt made from soybeans. Soymilk without added calcium contains only about 10 mg per cup, and that calcium is difficult for the body to absorb. But calcium-fortified soymilk and soy products have as much calcium as cow’s milk and sometimes more. Use soy products as you would dairy products: Pour over cereal, pack in a lunch, or provide as a snack.

Get a Calcium Boost With Orange Juice

Fortified orange juice brims with calcium — as much as 500 mg is added to each cup. Calcium content varies among orange juice products, however, so read nutrition labels carefully. Keep in mind that the percentage “daily value” listed on labels is based on the needs of adults up to age 50: 1,000 mg. Children and teens need 500 to 1,300 mg daily, depending on age. While fortified orange juice is a great way to get calcium, Krieger also recommends fresh oranges, each of which naturally contains about 50 mg of calcium.

Toss in Some Tofu

Getting the most calcium out of tofu requires advanced label-reading skills. That’s because tofu’s calcium content depends on the way in which it was prepared. Bottom line: Tofu made with calcium sulfate contains more calcium than tofu made with magnesium chloride, or nigari. The beauty of preparing tofu for kids, Krieger says, is that “it tastes like whatever you put on it or sauté it in.” Toss some into a stir-fry alone or with chicken, she advises, or cut your child’s favorite flavored tofu into sticks for a fun finger food.

The Calcium Power of Fish Bones

The processing of canned salmon softens the bones, making them easy to digest — it’s the bones that provide the calcium. A 3-ounce serving of pink salmon, along with the bones, provides about 180 mg of calcium — about two-thirds the amount in a cup of milk. The challenge is to make salmon bones palatable to a child. First, mash the salmon so the bones are less noticeable. Then, use canned salmon in fish cakes instead of crab, or add it to casseroles in place of tuna.

Munchable, Spreadable Calcium Source

Almonds, says Krieger, pack a surprisingly significant amount of calcium; a third of a cup, which Krieger calls a reasonable serving, contains about 110 mg of calcium, raw or roasted. Krieger suggests using almond butter in place of peanut butter in sandwiches for your kids, and including unsalted or low-salt almonds with dried fruit in trail-mix snacks. You can also toss almonds into salads, sprinkle them on breakfast oatmeal, or simply give your children a handful.

Tempting Treats With Calcium

A sweet potato provides about 55 mg of calcium, and a cup of cooked sweet potatoes about 76 mg. Sweet potatoes are loaded with other nutrients as well, and it’s easy to enhance their calcium quotient and appeal to a child’s appetite by adding cheese or yogurt. Bake a sweet potato (skin on) and top it with low-fat yogurt or grated cheddar; cut potatoes into sticks, toss in olive oil, roast in the oven, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese; or boil and mash potatoes and toss with butter and cheese. (A note on yams: They are not as rich in calcium as sweet potatoes, containing only 19 mg per cup, so make sure you’re serving the kids sweet potatoes, not yams, if you’re trying to up their calcium intake.)

Calcium’s Better in Beans

A cup of boiled small white beans, dried, provides about 130 mg of calcium, nearly as much as half a cup of milk. A cup of canned white beans has about 190 mg. A cup of canned chickpeas, also called garbanzo beans, contains about 80 mg. Mash, or use your food processor to blend, both types of beans into dips and spreads kids will love. With chickpeas, try traditional lemon-and-garlic-infused hummus (go light on the garlic for picky kids). Or process white beans with roasted garlic, a drizzle of olive oil, and salt and pepper and spread on toast.

Dip Broccoli Trees in Yogurt

By Kathleen Donnelly

Broccoli contains a significant amount of calcium, but you may have a hard time persuading your child to eat 2 1/4 cups of cooked broccoli or about five raw stalks to get the calcium provided by a cup of milk. Yogurt, on the other hand, contains about the same amount of calcium as milk. Double up on calcium content by pairing blanched or raw broccoli “trees” with a simple dip made from yogurt mixed with herbs (chives, cilantro), spices (curry, chili powder), or fruits and vegetables (cucumber, apple).

Green Peas, Please

Green peas contain about 45 mg of calcium per cup. But they may help improve bone health in another way: Green peas are packed with vitamin K, and some studies have shown that vitamin K supplements may increase bone mineral density and bone strength. Moreover, green peas are loaded with nutrients besides calcium. They’re an excellent source of vitamins C and A and protein, and like broccoli, they can be combined with a dairy product to enhance their calcium dose. Try “creamed” peas made with low-fat milk, or toss some peas with pasta and a light, cheesy white sauce.

Added Attraction: Calcium-Fortified Cereals

Some ready-to-eat breakfast cereals are fortified with as much as 1,000 mg of calcium in each 1 1/3–cup serving. Add a cup of milk and your teen will get all the calcium he or she needs for the day. Fortified foods are a handy way to get vitamins and minerals into your child’s diet, says Krieger. To add calcium to hot cereals, cook them in cow’s milk or fortified soymilk instead of water.

Waffles With Calcium: An Easy Breakfast

You already use frozen waffles and your kids love them. Once again, however, it pays to study nutrition labels carefully. Not all frozen waffles are fortified, but those that contain added calcium can provide around 100 mg of the mineral in each waffle. For extra nutritional value, Krieger suggests looking for whole-grain varieties. And to up the calcium count, try topping your kids’ waffles with low-fat or nonfat yogurt mixed with a dollop of jam or their favorite sliced fresh fruit.

How much calcium and vitamin D does a young child need? – Club for moms. All About Pregnancy, Baby & Toddler Development

For Strong Bones, Teeth & Muscles!

Rickets, soft bones and nervousness – if a young child does not get enough calcium and vitamin D, the list of potential health risks is long. However, only 6% of surveyed* parents in Latvia know that their children aged 1-3 years need four times more calcium than an adult. In turn, only 3% – that the baby needs seven times more vitamin D than an adult. Why these two elements are so important for the nutrition of a child aged 1-3 years, explains Anna Birka, a pediatrician with almost 40 years of experience.

The period from one to three years is the main stage in the development of the baby’s body. At this time, it is especially important to provide the optimal amount of appropriate nutrients. Although by the age of one year a child can eat foods of all groups, it must be remembered that a small one is not yet a big one, and it is necessary to switch to a full spectrum menu wisely. Many parents do this casually because it is easier and faster to feed the baby with what is prepared for the rest of the family. However, if you do not pay proper attention to the baby’s menu, then there is a risk that the child will not receive enough nutrients, which are very important for full development.

Calcium – for a strong body

One of these essential micronutrients is calcium, which in the human body is responsible for the strength of bones and teeth, helps form muscles, stimulates nerves, regulates blood pressure and has a beneficial effect on heart health. Grandmothers, who repeatedly remind the parents of their grandson that he needs to eat cottage cheese, because the growing body needs calcium, are absolutely right. However, parents’ knowledge of how much calcium a child should receive daily is negligible.

A child aged 1-3 years should receive ~500 Mg of calcium daily, that is, four times more calcium per kilogram of body weight than an adult. When the reserves of this trace element are insufficient, then calcium from the bones is “sent” to other parts of the body. And if this situation lasts too long, over time the bones become weak and brittle. Chronic lack of calcium and vitamin D creates a risk of rickets. Rickets softens the bones and with age, a child may experience a pathology of bone mass, which develops most rapidly at the age of 1-3 years: these are the bones of the skull, chest, ribs, spine and legs, acquiring the shape of the letters X or O. Many parents do not know that low calcium also causes increased nervousness, so the child may be whiny and moody.

A child’s diet must certainly contain calcium, and special attention must be paid to this. Dairy products contain a lot of calcium: half a glass of plain yogurt contains about 207 Mg of calcium, one slice of cheese contains about 112 Mg, a quarter cup of spinach contains about 60 Mg, and a piece of whole grain bread contains about 24 Mg of a valuable trace element. Of course, cottage cheese is also perfect, but sweet cottage cheese desserts, as well as sweet yogurts, should be avoided; cottage cheese is also not a valuable source of calcium, it is a sweet treat. Highly recommended are Brazil nuts, almonds, sesame seeds, and legumes – white and red beans, chickpeas. However, it is necessary to ensure that these products are included in the child’s menu according to his age. Whole nuts may be too hard for a baby who has not yet grown all of his teeth, so there is a risk that he may choke. And if the nuts are crushed and added to cottage cheese, it will be both tasty and healthy. To quickly and easily prepare a treat for both a child and an adult, mix cottage cheese with berries and nuts in a blender.

Vitamin D – to support calcium

Without vitamin D, the body is not able to absorb calcium, so the amount of calcium absorbed by the bones depends not only on the quality of nutrition, but also on the amount of vitamin D in the body. Vitamin D ensures proper growth of the baby, the formation of correct posture and the growth of healthy teeth. A quarter of the parents surveyed believe that a child aged 1-3 years needs the same amount of vitamin D as an adult. However, the child is growing rapidly, his skeleton is being actively formed, and therefore, per kilogram of body weight, the baby should receive seven times more vitamin D than an adult. The child should receive approximately 500 IU (international units, eng. IU) of vitamin D daily. It is important to ensure that the child receives enough foods containing vitamin D – these are fish, dairy products, eggs. It is also necessary that the baby spends as much time as possible in the fresh air.

Since vitamin D cannot be obtained in the required amount only from food, the doctor emphasizes that a child under 3 years of age should be given additional vitamin D, excluding the sunny summer months. And only if the family spends a lot of time outdoors or travels to warm countries. Vitamin D often needs to be supplemented for children over 3 years of age. The choice of vitamin D preparations will be advised by the doctor. Formula milk can be a valuable source of calcium and vitamin D for a child aged 1-3 years – two glasses of Aptamil3 formula provides 80% of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin D and 52% of the recommended intake of calcium

Helpful hints

• Calcium-rich foods: dairy products – unsweetened yogurt, cottage cheese, cheese; green vegetables – broccoli, spinach; whole wheat bread; nuts – brazil nuts, almonds, sesame seeds; legumes – white and red beans, Turkish peas.

• Foods containing vitamin D: fish, dairy products, eggs.

• Children under 3 years old need extra vitamin D.

• It is important not to overdo it! It is necessary to monitor what nutritional supplements the child eats, and what is included in their composition. If the child is fed formula milk, then there is no need to take additional calcium and vitamin D.

In order to promote understanding of parents and to remind them of the right nutrition for babies after one year, Aptamil3, in collaboration with experts, launched an educational campaign for parents “Little yet not big”.

*Social survey – a survey of parents was conducted on the maminuklubs.lv portal in August-September 2018. 59 people participated in the survey0 parents raising children aged 1-3 years.

Why doesn’t the baby eat vegetables?

Your child is no exception. Quite often, babies from the age of one to four are whimsical in food …

DETAILS

Baby does not eat meat or fish

Our love for certain foods is genetically determined, for some people it is …

DETAILS

Baby doesn’t eat fruit

Your child is no exception. Quite often, babies from the age of one to four are whimsical in food …

DETAILS

Mazulis atsakās dzert pienu

DETAILS

Baby seems to have a food allergy

If you suspect your baby has a food allergy, the first thing to do is contact. ..

DETAILS

The baby does not get enough zinc

Your baby needs zinc for the full functioning of the body. Zinc is…

DETAILS

The baby does not get enough vitamin D

Why does the baby need vitamin D? Vitamin D is essential for normal growth and development of bones…

DETAILS

Baby not getting enough omega-3 fatty acids

Why does a baby need omega-3 fatty acids? Your baby needs a small amount…

DETAILS

The baby does not get enough iron

Why does the baby need iron? Because your little one is growing fast, his…

DETAILS

Baby is underweight

We are all different, but how do you know if your baby is worth worrying about?

DETAILS

Baby eats too little

It is sometimes surprising how much a child can eat at one meal or how vigorously they play on an empty stomach.

DETAILS

How to feed a vegetarian baby?

How can I get more out of this manual? When looking after…

DETAILS

Healthy food plate for children aged 1-3 years

How to make a daily menu for a baby? What are the best foods to eat for breakfast and which are best for dinner? What is a healthy snack?

DETAILS

Parental survey results on eating habits of children aged 1-3 years

A child’s energy and nutritional needs are different from those of an adult. Stomach…

DETAILS

How many essential nutrients can be obtained from formula milk?

2 cups of Aptamil3 formula provides 80% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin D, plus other vitamins…

DETAILS

How much calcium and vitamin D does a young child need?

Rickets, soft bones and nervousness – if a small child does not get enough calcium and vitamin D, then the list . ..

DETAILS

Why it is worth teaching small children to eat meat

Health must be taken care of from infancy: in order for a person to feel good and be healthy, it is of great importance …

DETAILS

Healthy fats in the menu of a small child

Pledge of a healthy heart, sharpness of mind, good eyesight and strong teeth of a baby – a menu that is an integral part of …

MORE DETAILS

Calcium norm for children – lack of calcium in the child’s body

06/03/2022

4-6 minutes

63 970

Content

• Calcium in a child’s life
• What functions does calcium perform in a child’s body?
• Consequences of calcium deficiency in a child
• Calcium Daily Value for Children
• Sources of calcium and prevention of its deficiency

In order for a child to grow and develop in accordance with age, the body must receive a sufficient amount of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and micro / macro elements. The last group includes calcium. This mineral performs many important functions, so it must be supplied in sufficient quantities to the child’s body. However, this requirement is not always met. In young children, problems associated with calcium metabolism occupy a leading place.

This is due to the fact that in the first years of life, the child’s body grows rapidly, therefore, it needs an increased amount of calcium.¹ At the same time, in recent decades, there have been fewer and fewer foods containing this mineral in the diet of children. Therefore, drugs containing calcium are currently becoming an effective way to prevent and correct calcium deficiency in children.² These include Calcium-D₃ Nycomed.

What functions does calcium perform in the body of a child?

99% of calcium is concentrated in bones and teeth, so its main function is to build supporting tissues. At the same time, these tissues act as a “warehouse”. The fact is that the level of calcium in the blood must be maintained at a strict level. With insufficient intake of the element with food, it begins to enter the blood from the bone tissue, as a result of which the latter loses its strength. Given the fact that in the first year of a baby’s life, his weight increases by 3 times, and his height by 1.5 times, such consequences can turn into serious problems.

Such situations are, unfortunately, not uncommon in our time.
In children, starting from the age of 3, problems with growth retardation, bone tissue mineralization, and caries are increasingly being detected.¹

bones) and osteoporosis²

Participation in the formation of hard tissues of the body is far from the only function of calcium. This mineral is involved in a huge number of processes and reactions that take place in the body. The most important functions of calcium, which are necessary for the full growth and development of children, are:

Participation in the conduction of nerve impulses, due to which the normal functioning of the nervous and muscular systems, the formation of memory and skills, and the functioning of internal organs are maintained.

Regulation of vascular tone, maintaining the rhythm of heart contractions.

Maintenance of normal functioning of the glands, activation of enzymes.

Participation in the work of hearing and vision systems.

Maintain normal functioning of the immune system.

Participation in the process of blood coagulation.

In addition, calcium helps to remove toxins and heavy metals from the body, maintains the normal condition of the skin, hair and nails, and has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects.¹

Consequences of calcium deficiency in a child

Due to the variety of functions of calcium in the body, the consequences of its deficiency can be very diverse.
Rickets is the most common problem in newborns. In this disease, the exchange of calcium and phosphorus is disturbed, which leads to a violation of the processes of bone formation.

The risk of developing rickets increases with a deficiency of another important element that is directly related to calcium metabolism – vitamin D. If rickets is not detected and treated in time, the consequences for the child’s health will be very serious. In addition to a violation of the formation of the skeleton, with this disease there is a developmental delay, muscle weakness, impaired mental development, etc.

The next common problem associated with calcium deficiency is caries. It can appear immediately after the appearance of milk teeth, and after changing them to permanent ones, the problem only gets worse.

The risk of developing caries increases with a deficiency of other minerals – magnesium, fluorine, zinc.

Calcium deficiency can lead to severe syndromes, which are manifested by dwarfism, heart defects, impaired kidney function, etc. Fortunately, such syndromes are relatively rare.¹

Daily calcium intake for children

Calcium norms for children differ in different age periods.

• Newborn babies up to 6 months every day you need 210 mg of this item.

• At the age of from 6 to 12 months this rate increases to 270 mg .

• At the age of from 1 year to 3 years – up to 500 mg per day.

• If the child’s age is from 4 to 8 years , then parents should ensure that 800 mg enters the body.

• The largest calcium norms per day for a child are at school and adolescence ( from 9 to 18 years old ). Children in this age group should consume 1300 mg calcium.³

When forming a diet, parents should remember that the bioavailability of calcium when it comes from food is relatively low. That is, not the entire amount of this element is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, but only 20–40%. For example, when breastfeeding, a child receives about 750 ml of breast milk daily, which contains about 300 mg of calcium, but only 66% of them are absorbed.

Vitamin D has a great influence on the absorption of calcium from the intestines.

Normally, it is produced by the body, but with mandatory exposure to sunlight. It is also recommended that you take 400 to 800 IU (International Units) of vitamin D supplements each day, from food or supplements.¹

Sources of calcium and prevention of its deficiency

An important condition for maintaining a normal calcium balance is sufficient physical activity. It helps to strengthen muscles and bones, develops the cardiovascular system and has a positive effect on the overall development of the child.
The best activities are swimming, dancing, aerobics, tennis, long walks.¹

Some calcium can be obtained from foods. In the first place is milk, which contains not only this element, but also vitamin D. For children from 2 to 8 years old, it is enough to drink about 0.5 liters of milk every day to provide the daily need for calcium. This element is also rich in:

This element is also rich in:

• Cheese.

• Yogurt.

• Citrus.

• Broccoli.

• Leafy vegetables.

Modern food products are different from those that were at the beginning of the 20th century. They contain fewer nutrients, which is associated with new technologies and priorities in the agricultural and food industries. Therefore, it is very difficult today to get the daily intake of calcium only from food products. On the shelves of stores you can find products that are enriched with calcium, but their list is not very long. And not every adult can force a child to eat the right amount of such food. Also, one should not forget about the possible food intolerance, which very often develops in milk and dairy products. For all these reasons, calcium deficiency is detected in more than 80% of children. Therefore, supplements containing calcium and vitamin D are actively used to prevent such conditions.⁴

These supplements include Calcium-D₃ Nycomed. From what age can the drug be taken? The minimum threshold is 3 years. In this case, the doctor selects the dosage. Children from 5 to 12 years of age are prescribed 1-2 tablets per day, and children from 12 years of age and older – 1 tablet 2 times a day or 2 tablets 1 time per day.

An important advantage of Calcium-D₃ Nycomed is a convenient form of release – chewable tablets with different flavors (orange, mint, strawberry-watermelon, lemon).

• Two tablets of Calcium-D₃ Nycomed contain 1000 mg of calcium and 400 IU of vitamin D.

• There is an enhanced form of the drug – Calcium-D₃ Nycomed Forte. It features an increased dosage of vitamin D – 800 IU in two tablets.

Calcium‑D₃ Nycomed

Calcium‑D₃ Nycomed Forte

References

1. Gromova OA Importance of calcium deficiency in pediatrics and ways of its correction // VSP. 2007. No. 2.
   URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/
2. Sannikova NE, Stennikova Olga Viktorovna Modern possibilities of diet therapy for the prevention and correction of calcium deficiency in young children // VSP. 2007. No. 1.
   URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/
3. Kozhevnikova Elena Nikolaevna, Nikolaeva SV Importance of calcium in children’s nutrition // VSP. 2010. No.