Beware of the Danger of Calcium Deficiency in Children

It is important to ensure that your child's calcium needs are met properly. Because, calcium is one of the minerals that the body needs to support the growth of children.

The impact of calcium deficiency is very diverse, ranging from impaired growth to an increased risk of disease in children. Therefore, it is important for parents to pay attention to their children's calcium intake from an early age.

Calcium Function for Child Development

Calcium has many roles in supporting the growth and development of children. Here are some of them:

• Build strong and healthy bones

  Calcium is known as a mineral that is very important for bone health. In childhood, calcium acts as the foundation for bone strength later in life. Children whose calcium needs are met properly will have healthy and strong bones in adulthood.

• Optimizing the performance of the heart organ

  Both in adults and children, calcium affects the performance of the heart in the process of contraction and relaxation of the heart muscle. If calcium needs are met properly, the heart can work optimally in pumping blood throughout the body.

• Plays an important role in carrying out body functions

  The body needs calcium to circulate blood throughout the body, move muscles, release hormones, and carry messages from the brain to other parts of the body.

Beware of the Bad Impact of Calcium Deficiency

The function of calcium in the body of a child's development can run properly, if the daily calcium needs of the child can be met properly. If not met, the child may experience:

• Not maximal growth

  Children whose calcium intake is not fulfilled properly will experience less than optimal growth, including their height. Children who are deficient in calcium will usually be shorter, when compared to children whose calcium needs are well met.

• Suffering from bone disorders

  Lack of calcium and vitamin D in children can cause rickets. This disease is characterized by a soft and brittle bone texture. In addition, the child's growth will be stunted, and muscle pain or weakness may occur.

• Risk of osteoporosis in old age

  Children whose calcium needs are not met properly are more at risk for fractures. The chances of experiencing osteoporosis in old age will also be greater. In addition, calcium deficiency in childhood can also cause osteoporosis in children.

What parents need to pay attention to is the need for calcium in children is different from adults. Calcium needs increase with age. In children aged 1-3 years, calcium needs as much as 700 mg per day. Meanwhile, at the age of 4-8 years, calcium needs increase to 1000 mg per day. Then at the age of 9-18 years, increased again to 1300 mg per day.

Milk as a Source of Calcium Best for Kids

To avoid the bad effects of calcium deficiency in children, make sure that the calcium needs of children are met properly. This can be done by consuming foods and drinks that contain calcium, because the body cannot produce calcium on its own. Foods and drinks that contain calcium are fairly diverse. However, milk can be the right choice in meeting the calcium needs of children. Because, the calcium content in milk is easier for the body to absorb compared to other foods and drinks.

For children over 1 year old, you can give UHT milk full cream. UHT milk is ready-to-drink packaged milk that has been processed through a high-temperature processing process. This type of milk can last longer, even up to 9 months in a closed package. Besides calcium, UHT milk full cream contains various vitamins and other nutrients that are also needed by the body. Apart from milk, children can also get calcium from other foods and drinks, such as cheese, broccoli, kale, turnip greens, pak coy, tempeh, kidney beans, peas, salmon, anchovies,yogurt, orange juice, and soy milk.

Ensuring calcium needs are met properly from childhood is important. But keep in mind, you also have to make sure your child's vitamin D needs are met, because vitamin D plays a role in the absorption of calcium in the body. If necessary, consult further with your pediatrician, in order to get recommendations on the best way to meet your child's calcium needs.