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?
©2009 Littlestomaks.com
Information provided in this post is not meant to be treated as medical advice
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Since Tillie’s only 6 months old, she gets her calcium from formula. This is a great reminder about calcium. So far, she hasn’t met a veggie she doesn’t like. Hopefully she’ll like broccoli as much as my husband and I do.
My 3-year old daughter loves milk so much that calcium hasn’t been a problem. I hope she continues to drink it as she gets older and her calcium needs go up.
Wow – there is a lot of good info here. I look forward to checking out your site!
Megan
ICLW
Hello Megan
Thank you for visiting. If there is a toddler nutrition question or topic you want me to research and write about, let me know!
Calcium isn’t really an issue for my little guy, because he loves milk and cheese and the like. My mom gives my younger brothers and sisters a vitamin D supplement every day with their multiple-vitamin. I heard somewhere that vitamin D is good for your immune system. Is that accurate?
I’m stopping by from ICLW.