According to the 2nd edition of the PDR for Nutritional Supplements -
The absorption efficiency of calcium varies throughout the life span. It is highest during infancy when it is about 60%. In prepubertal children, it is about 28%. During early puberty, at the time of the growth spurt, it increases to 34% and then drops to 25% two years later.
How you can use this information -
- Get your kids to drink milk and eat yogurt at an early age. Dairy is the best source of calcium. Unless you have an allergy problem, this should be your first choice. Milk also has vitamin D which is necessary for calcium absorption.
- Other sources of calcium and vitamin D – fortified orange juice, cereals, collard greens, broccoli, tofu, salmon, spinach. Offering a variety of food sources in addition to, or instead of dairy, is a good way to get calcium in your child’s growing bones early on.
- Recommended daily value for children 1-3 years is 500 mg (about 2 cups of milk) and for children 4-8 years is 800 mg (2-3 cups of milk).
- In addition to food sources, physical activity is also important. Both exercise and nutrition help bones to increase their strength.
Building a calcium reserve at an early age is almost like building a bank balance of good health for the rest of your child’s life.
What has worked well for you in providing adequate amount of calcium and vitamin D in your child’s diet?
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Information provided in this post is not meant to be treated as medical advice
