Why is Calcium So Important For Your Child?
In addition to the development of strong teeth and bone, calcium plays an important role in maintaining healthy function of muscles, blood and nerves.
Did you know?
Each serve* of Kid Essentials® contains 42% of the recommended daily intake of calcium required for children aged 1 to 3 and 30% of calcium required for children aged 4-8 years.
The latest survey looking at nutritional intake trends in Australia found that over half of the Australian population aged 2 years and over did not consume enough calcium1.
Why calcium is important?
- Build strong teeth and bones
- Maintain healthy muscle and nerve function
- Necessary for normal blood clotting
- Assist with food digestion
Calcium is found in a variety of foods
- Milk and milk products – such as yoghurt and cheese
- Leafy green vegetables – such as silverbeet – however, some green leafy vegetables (such as spinach) contain oxalates which impairs the absorption of calcium from these sources
- Soy products and tofu – look for those with added calcium
- Fish - sardines and salmon (with bones)
- Nuts and seeds – brazil nuts, almonds and sesame seed paste (tahini)
- Calcium-fortified foods – including breakfast cereals, fruit juices and bread
Wait!
Without vitamin D, only 10-15% of the calcium we eat can be used 2. Read more about vitamin D here.
* A serving of Kid Essentials® is measured as 55g plus 210ml of water
References:
- National Health and Medical Research Council. 2014. Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand, Calcium. Accessed on 26.11.19 from www.nrv.gov.au/nutrients/calcium
- Holick, M.F (2007) The New England Journal of Medicine; 377: 266-81
KID ESSENTIALS® is a food for special medical purposes and is specifically formulated for medical conditions where nutritional needs cannot be met through diet modification alone. Must be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
