Parents are often surprised by how much calcium kids need each day. Remember that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children who are:
- 1-3 years old get 500mg per day (about 2 servings of milk)
- 4-8 years old get 800mg per day (about 3 servings of milk)
- 9-18 years old get 1300mg per day (about 4 servings of milk
Unfortunately, most children, especially teens, get much less than their recommended daily requirements for calcium.
Like most other vitamins and minerals, you are usually best off getting your child her nutrition from the foods that she eats and drinks, including calcium rich foods, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt.
Kids can also get calcium from nondairy foods, such as salmon, tofu, collard greens, etc., and many calcium fortified foods, including many varieties of bread, orange juice, and cereals.
If your kids aren't getting enough calcium in their diet though, you may need to give them a calcium supplement each day.
No comments:
Post a Comment