Doctor Mayumi Sariputra
Deficiency is the one thing that no mother wants for her child. A Mother knows in and out about calcium, proteins, vitamins, and all that is beneficial for her child, and the most beautiful part is that she does not have to do any research for it. She knows all about it.
No one can take care of you the way a mother does, so this is the sole reason why it is said so.
Being at their mischievous best, kids don’t like listening to their moms. Especially whenever it is about food, the not so delicious healthy food.
Yes, you read that right because, for kids, healthy can never be delicious. Moms surely know how to make it delicious for their kids.
Why is Calcium Necessary for Kids?
Strong bones are vital. When we are kids, it is the perfect opportunity to build strong bones by consuming enough calcium. So, when we grow up, we have strong bones to sustain any injury and protect us from any bone-related diseases.
What Happens When Calcium is Deficient in Kids?
Deficiency of calcium is a disease called rickets. In this disease, the bones soften, there is restricted growth of bones later leading to a deformity called bow legs. It can also cause muscle soreness or muscle weakness.
Kids require an appropriate amount of calcium to support their growing bones. Low calcium levels in the blood cause a disease known as hypocalcemia.
Calcium helps in the functioning of muscles, nerves, and the releasing of hormones. When our body is low on blood calcium levels, then it takes calcium from the bones to take care of these body functions.
What are the Symptoms of Low Calcium?
- Numbness or tingling sensation felt in hands or feet.
- Muscle pain or cramps.
- Weak or brittle nails.
- Bones break easily.
- Memory loss.
- Seizures.
- Difficulty in breathing.
- Throat pain.
- Fatigue
- Muscle spasm.
- Irritability
Calcium Food Sources for Kids
Calcium food sources can be delicious too. Adding it to their favorite snack will not only enhance the taste but also benefit their overall health.
- Fruits like orange and grapes.
- Milk
- Almonds
- Yogurt
- Tofu
- Cheese
- Sweet potato
- Calcium fortified cereals
- Green peas.
- Salad.
How Much Calcium is required for Kids?
Around 700 mg of daily calcium intake is appropriate for 1 to 4 years old. This intake should be increased with growing age, from 1000 mg for 4 to 8-year-old kids to 1200 mg daily till 18 years of age.
Vitamin D and the appropriate amount of calcium is essential for kids as they grow.
What if Kids Don’t Like Calcium Food Sources?
So, this is the most frequently asked question. Kids don’t like dairy products, few are lactose intolerant, and some don’t enjoy eating non-veg. Nevertheless, they can still be calcium-rich because
- Low-lactose and lactose-free products are also available.
- When it comes to drinking milk, adding a bit of chocolate sauce or syrup might get them interested in it.
- Cereal and yogurt make a nice and tasty food combination.
- Homemade green peas potato patty, just like the patties that we see in burgers. Sounds yummy, right?
- Fruit juice is something that is loved by kids.
- Adding cheese to any snack is what every kid secretly wants. I guess even the adults too.
Delicious recipes are available on the internet, which super moms can try, that will surely help kids to be calcium-rich. I am sure all the moms out there don’t need the internet to make any food taste better, but a little help will work wonders.
Healthy is Happy!
