Children grow quickly, and calcium is one of the building blocks they need to grow. Calcium contributes to building strong bones for your little one, among other things! But this is not the only thing calcium is good for.
In this article, you will read about
- The role of calcium in bone growth, muscles, and the nervous system
- Tips for parents to increase their child's calcium intake
- How vitamin D helps with calcium absorption
The role of calcium in children's growth and development
- Bone health: calcium is the primary building block of bones. In children, especially during growth spurts, a significant portion of their bone mass is built up. Calcium ensures the mineralisation of bones, which is essential for the development of a strong and healthy skeleton.
- Muscle function: in addition to bones, calcium also plays a role in muscle contractions. This is important for the coordination of movements and physical activity in children. It helps them to remain active and energetic.
- Nervous system: calcium is involved in nerve transmissions, transmitting signals from the brain to the muscles. For example, it enables reflexes!
- Blood clotting: the mineral is also necessary for blood clotting, which is very useful when your child is in the “do-it-yourself” phase.
How parents can help with children's calcium intake
Everyone needs calcium, from growing children to adults and the elderly. Children and young adults use it to build bone mass, while the elderly use it to prevent bone loss and conditions such as osteoporosis. But it can be difficult for children to get enough calcium. However, there are things you can do as a parent:
- Encourage a varied diet that includes calcium-rich foods.
- Ensure sufficient vitamin D intake, as this stimulates calcium absorption. Vitamin D is obtained from sunlight, but also to a small extent from food. In addition, there are also supplements containing vitamin D.
