Do children need calcium supplements?
Transcript
Do children need calcium supplements?
In general, children can absorb sufficient nutrients from breast milk or formula milk and solid foods already. They do not need to take supplements.
As long as children have a balanced diet, consuming foods from all five major food groups every day, that is, grains, vegetables, fruits, meat/fish/eggs/beans, and dairy products. If they develop at a normal rate and are healthy, then they have already obtained the nutrients they need.
What foods are rich in calcium?
Calcium-rich foods include leafy green vegetables, traditional calcium set bean curd, sesame paste, milk, soymilk with added calcium, dried baby fish and shrimps etc. For children between the ages of one to five, 360 to 480ml of milk a day, is sufficient to provide the calcium that they need for growth. If children eat foods like green leafy vegetables, traditional tofu regularly, the amount of milk consumed can be reduced.
What is the effect of an excess amount of calcium on the body?
Taking excessive amount of calcium supplements may impede the absorption of iron, and may even lead to ureteral stones.
What can I do to promote calcium absorption?
Vitamin D can promote calcium absorption. The amount of vitamin D in food is usually not enough for our body needs. Allowing your child to have a suitable amount of sun exposure facilitates the synthesis of vitamin D by our body. Frequent daily body activities and an active lifestyle promote skeletal development as well.
What kinds of food will cause calcium depletion?
Foods that are high in sodium, fat and phosphorous will cause calcium depletion. Examples are hamburgers, fried chicken, potato chips, prawn crackers and soft drinks. Such kinds of foods also have low nutritional values, so they should be avoided.