Building strong foundations: The importance of calcium for children’s bone health

Imagine your child as a magnificent castle, full of laughter and endless possibilities. However, just like any castle, it needs strong foundations to stand tall and weather any storm.

For your little adventurer, those foundations are their bones, and calcium is the key building block! Let’s explore why calcium is so crucial for healthy child development and how to ensure your little knight has the calcium they need to conquer the world.

Calcium: The mighty mineral for mighty bones

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body, and around 99 percent of it is stored in our bones and teeth. During childhood and adolescence, this mineral plays a vital role in building strong, dense bones that can support your child’s growth and activity. Here’s how:

Calcium acts like tiny bricks, helping to build strong, dense bones that can withstand everyday movement and activity. As your child grows, their body uses calcium to create new bone tissue and keep existing bones healthy.

Throughout life, our bones are constantly undergoing a process called remodelling. Calcium is essential for this process, ensuring that old bone tissue is replaced with new, stronger bone.

Strong bones supported by calcium provide proper posture and prevent skeletal problems like hunching or curvature of the spine. Strong bones also support your child’s balance and coordination.

The calcium crunch: Consequences of deficiency

Not getting enough calcium can lead to several problems that can impact your child’s health and well-being:

Weaker bones: Without enough calcium, bones become less dense and more prone to fractures and breaks. This can be particularly concerning during childhood when falls and bumps are common.

Rickets: This is a condition that causes soft, weak bones in children due to calcium deficiency. Symptoms include bone deformities, delayed growth, and muscle weakness.

Stunted growth: Calcium is also essential for proper growth and development. Deficiency can lead to stunted growth and a delay in reaching milestones.

Read also: Nigeria’s dairy deficit opens N2.3trn opportunity

Calcium champions: Building strong bones through diet

The good news is that you can help your child get the calcium they need through a healthy diet! Here are some top calcium-rich foods to add to their plate:

• Dairy: Milk (Peak 456 Growing Up Milk), yoghurt, and cheese are classic sources of calcium. Let your child explore different varieties like low-fat yoghurt with berries for a quick snack.

• Leafy green: Don’t underestimate the power of green veggies! Kale, spinach, and collard greens are packed with calcium and other essential nutrients. Try adding them to smoothies or sneaking them into pasta dishes.

• Canned fish: Canned salmon and sardines are excellent sources of calcium, thanks to the inclusion of soft, edible bones. Mash them into a spread for bread or create a delicious fish salad.

• Fortified foods: Many cereals, plant-based milks, and orange juices are fortified with calcium. Look for these options at the grocery store, and be sure to read food labels! (Navigate the Peak 456 website to see more on food labels.)

Beyond the plate: Additional ways to promote strong bones

Diet isn’t the only factor in bone health. Here are some additional tips to promote strong bones in your child:

Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. Ensure your child gets enough sunlight exposure, or consider a vitamin D supplement after consulting with your doctor.

Activities like running, jumping, and hopping put stress on bones, which helps to stimulate bone growth and density. Encourage your child to participate in weight-bearing exercises as part of their daily routine.

Sugary drinks like sodas can interfere with calcium absorption. Encourage your child to drink plenty of water and limit sugary beverages.

Remember:

• Early intervention is key: Building strong bones starts early. Develop healthy eating habits in your child from a young age.

• Every child is unique: Some children might have specific dietary needs or medical conditions that impact calcium absorption. Talk to your child’s doctor for personalised advice.

• Make it fun!: Get creative with meals and involve your child in food prep. Making healthy choices a fun family adventure can set your child on the path to a lifetime of good bone health.

By prioritising calcium intake through diet and healthy habits, you’re helping to build a strong foundation for your child’s health and well-being. Remember, Mummy, you are your child’s biggest supporter! Together, you can ensure their castle has the strongest foundations for a lifetime of adventures! Thankfully, Peak 456 Growing Up Milk contains calcium that is just appropriate for your toddler’s needs. Visit the Peak 456 website for more tips and tricks on child nutrition.