According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) report "Optimizing Bone Health and Calcium Intakes of Infants, Children and Adolescents," 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 academy also suggests that calcium intake be assessed periodically with a simple questionnaire beginning at 2 to 3 years of age.
After this age, the academy 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 academy 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.
The academy reminds parents that calcium intakes on food labels are based on adult requirements, not children's, so it is important for pediatricians to help parents read and interpret the calcium content on food labels to help them better determine how much calcium their child may be consuming. The academy suggests 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 academy said, by eating three age-appropriate servings of dairy products per day (four servings per day for adolescents.) Low-fat dairy products including skim milk and low-fat yogurt are preferred sources of calcium. Calcium supplements and nondairy 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.
To view the complete report published in February issue of Pediatrics, the peer-reviewed, scientific journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, go to http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/117/2/578 online.
For more information about child health, go to http://www.pennstatechildrens.com or http://www.aap.org online.