Imagine your child as a fabulous castle, full of laughter and endless possibilities. However, like any castle, it also needs a strong foundation to stand firm and withstand any storm.
For your little adventurer, those foundations are their bones, and calcium is the main building block! Let's learn why calcium is so important for healthy baby development and how to make sure your little knight has the calcium he needs to conquer the world.
Calcium: Powerful Mineral for Strong Bones
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body and about 99 percent of it is stored in our bones and teeth. During childhood and adolescence, this mineral plays an important role in building strong, dense bones that can support your child's growth and activity. This way:
Calcium works like little bricks, helping to build strong, dense bones that can withstand everyday movement and activity. As your child grows, his body uses calcium to form new bone tissue and keep existing bones healthy.
Throughout life, our bones constantly undergo a process called remodeling. Calcium is essential for this process, which ensures that old bone tissue is replaced with new, stronger bone.
Strong bones supported by calcium provide proper posture and prevent skeletal problems such as curvature of the spine. Strong bones also support your child's balance and coordination.
Calcium Deficiency: Consequences of Deficiency
Not getting enough calcium can cause several problems that can affect your child's health and well-being:
Weak Bones: Without enough calcium, bones become less dense and more prone to fractures and breaks. This can be especially worrisome during childhood when falls and bounces are common.
Rickets: It is a condition in which children's bones become soft and weak due to calcium deficiency. Symptoms include bone deformities, growth delays, and muscle weakness.
Arrested Development: Calcium is also necessary for proper growth and development. Deficiency can stunt growth and delay reaching goals.
Also read: Nigeria's dairy deficit opens up N2.3trn opportunity
Calcium Champion: strengthening bones through diet
The good news is that you can help your child get the calcium he needs through a healthy diet! Here are some of the top calcium-rich foods to include in their plate:
• dairy: Milk (Peak 456 Growing Up Milk), yogurt and cheese are excellent sources of calcium. Let your child enjoy different varieties like low-fat yogurt with berries for a quick snack.
• Leafy Green: Don't underestimate the power of green vegetables! Kale, spinach and collard greens are rich in calcium and other essential nutrients. Try adding them to smoothies or tossing them into pasta dishes.
• canned fish: Canned salmon and sardines are excellent sources of calcium due to the inclusion of soft, edible bones. Mash them into bread or make a delicious fish salad.
• Heavy foods: Many cereals, plant-based milks and orange juice are rich in calcium. Check out these options at the grocery store, and be sure to read food labels! (Visit the Peak 456 website to see more on food labels.)
Beyond the Plate: Additional Ways to Promote Strong Bones
Diet is not the only factor in bone health. Here are some additional tips for strengthening your child's bones:
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. Make sure your child gets enough sunlight, or consider a vitamin D supplement after consulting your doctor.
Activities like running, jumping and jumping place stress on the bones, which helps encourage bone growth and density. Encourage your child to participate in weight-bearing exercises as part of their daily routine.
Sugary drinks like soda can interfere with calcium absorption. Encourage your child to drink plenty of water and limit sugary beverages.
Memorization:
• Early intervention is important: Strengthening bones starts early. Develop healthy eating habits in your child from an early age.
• Every child is unique: Some children may have specific dietary needs or medical conditions that affect calcium absorption. Talk to your child's doctor for personalized advice.
• make it fun!: Get creative with food and involve your child in meal preparation. Making healthy choices a fun family adventure can set your child on a path to lifelong good bone health.
By prioritizing calcium intake through diet and healthy habits, you are helping to build a strong foundation for your child's health and well-being. Remember, mom, you are your child's biggest supporter! Together, you can ensure that their castle has the strongest foundation possible for the adventure of a lifetime! Thankfully, Peak 456 Growing Up Milk contains calcium that is perfect for your baby's needs. Visit the Peak 456 website for more tips and tricks on kids' nutrition.
