The importance of calcium for children of all ages
Teeth
Healthy teeth need a healthy jaw and healthy gums. Calcium and Phosphorus play a vital role in the formation and maintenance of healthy smiles for all children (and their parents).
Calcium and phosphorus help to strengthen our teeth but they also help to strengthen our jaw bones to hold all of the teeth in place.
Dental Health Services Victoria
Bones
Almost 99% of the body’s calcium is found in our bones. Our bones need some other minerals to give strength and structure to our bones too (such as phosphorus and vitamin D).
The other 1% of our body’s calcium travels around in our bloodstream doing important jobs with our heart, muscles and nerves. If we don’t consume enough dietary calcium, our body will take what it needs from our bones in order to keep the rest of our bodies healthy.
Children’s bones grow rapidly. With most children reaching their peak bone mass around the age of 20 years, it is essential that they are nourishing their bones in infancy, preschool, primary school, secondary school and into their young adult years.
How Much Calcium Does My Child Need?
Recommended Daily Intake for Calcium
1-3 years –> 500mg
4-8 years –> 700mg
9-13 years –> 1000-1300mg
14-18 years –> 1300mg
What is a Serve of Calcium (250mg)?
1 Cup of Milk
2 Slices of cheese (40g)
3/4 Cup of Yoghurt
1/2 Cup Ricotta Cheese
1 Cup of Calcium Fortified Milk Alternative (soy, rice, oat, almond, coconut fortified with at least 120mg/100ml)
100g Almonds
1/2 Cup Tahini Paste
100g Tinned Salmon (Pink or Red)
50g Tinned Sardines
5 Slices of Wholemeal/Multigrain bread
2/3 Cup Dried Figs