Children need calcium now to reduce the risk of fractures and osteoporosis later in life.
According to a new American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) report, getting enough calcium during childhood and adolescence is necessary for peak bone mass development, which may help reduce the risk of fractures and osteoporosis later in life.
This is especially important during adolescence. The AAP also encourages physical activity, primarily weight-bearing exercise, as part of an overall bone-health program.In this updated report, the AAP also suggests that calcium intake be assessed periodically with a simple questionnaire beginning at 2 to 3 years of age.
After this age, the AAP suggests determining calcium intake at 8 to 9 years of age, then again during preadolescence and during adolescence, when the peak rate of bone mass growth occurs. The statement also stresses that infants, children, and adolescents need to receive adequate amounts of vitamin D as it helps with calcium retention.
The AAP report goes on to say that a child or adolescent’s deficient calcium intake is a family issue and adequate intake should be encouraged for all family members. Information on calcium content of foods should be given to patients and families for whom intake seems inadequate.
An important notation: calcium intakes on food labels are based on adult requirements, not children’s. Therefore, it is important for pediatricians to help parents read and interpret the calcium content on food labels so they can better determine how much calcium their child may be consuming. It’s still critical for children to talk to their pediatrician and a registered dietitian to have a more accurate assessment.
Most people can achieve the recommended calcium intake, the AAP says, by eating three age-appropriate servings of dairy products per day (4 servings per day for adolescents.) Low-fat dairy products including skim milk and low-fat yogurt are preferred sources of calcium. Calcium supplements and non-dairy foods such as calcium-fortified juices and soy products are an alternative, but these products do not offer the benefits of other nutrients, and compliance may be a problem.
Whole milk is not recommended until after 12 months of age; although yogurt and cheese with modest amounts of added sweeteners can be introduced after 6 months.
Above is a news release on a clinical report appearing in the February issue of Pediatrics, the peer-reviewed, scientific journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
By Kris on 03/4/06 in Children, Food, Health, Healthy Cooking, Cooking For Kids
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