14 Calcium-Rich Foods For Babies And Kids
- By Dr. Pulyk Nataliya Omelanivna
- 11 Nov 2024
Key highlights or summary
- Calcium for kids is crucial for the development of strong bones and teeth, supporting muscle function, nerve transmission, blood clotting, and hormonal secretion in kids.
- Daily calcium needs vary by age, with toddlers requiring 700 mg/day and preteens needing 1,300 mg/day.
- The best calcium-rich foods include milk and dairy products, leafy greens, ragi, soybeans, chickpeas, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, and fortified plant-based milks.
- Non-dairy options such as fortified plant-based milks, green vegetables, tofu, nuts, seeds, and certain fruits provide excellent alternatives.
- Vitamin D is vital for calcium absorption, highlighting the importance of a balanced diet.
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Toddlers (ages 1-3 years) need about 700 milligrams of calcium per day.
High calcium levels in infants, known as hypercalcemia, can be caused by several factors including certain medical conditions like hyperparathyroidism, genetic disorders, excessive intake of calcium supplements, or vitamin D toxicity.
To ensure your toddler gets enough calcium, include a variety of calcium-rich foods in their diet. This includes milk and dairy products, fortified plant-based milks, green leafy vegetables, tofu, beans, and seeds.
High calcium levels in infants can lead to a condition called hypercalcemia. Symptoms may include poor feeding, vomiting, constipation, lethargy, and irritability.
Signs of calcium deficiency in kids can include weak or brittle bones, delayed growth, muscle cramps or spasms, and dental problems such as delayed tooth development.
Calcium supplements for kids are generally not necessary for kids who consume a balanced diet that includes sufficient calcium-rich foods.
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium absorption. It helps the body absorb calcium from the diet and is necessary for maintaining proper calcium and phosphate levels in the blood, which are essential for healthy bone formation.
Yes, there are many non-dairy sources of calcium rich foods for kids with lactose intolerance. These include fortified plant-based milks, tofu, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, and calcium-fortified juices and cereals.
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