Calcium And Kids: New Advice

Many kids aren't getting the calcium they need for healthy bones, and this morning there's an update on recommendations for children's bone health. Dr. Emily Senay reports for The Early Show.

For starters, why is calcium so important in a child's diet?

Senay: "Childhood, and especially adolescence, is a crucial time for developing healthy bones, and calcium provides the building blocks necessary to make sure bones become dense and strong during the years when bones grow the quickest. Getting enough calcium early on can reduce the risk of fracture and osteoporosis later in life. The American Academy of Pediatrics says most children and teens older than 8 years old in the United States currently do not get the recommended intake, especially teenagers."

How much calcium is recommended for children?

Senay: "Infants get enough calcium in breast milk or fortified formula. The National Academy of Sciences says that between the ages of 1 and 3, a child needs 500 milligrams of calcium each day, and between 4 and 8 years old, they need 800 milligrams a day. Between 9 and 18, the calcium requirement goes up to 1,300 milligrams each day.

"It's important to note," Senay continues, "that calcium intakes on food labels are based on adult requirements of 1,000 milligrams per day. An older child or teenager needs 300 milligrams more than an adult each day, and 2,500 milligrams is the maximum recommended intake of calcium."

What are the best sources of calcium?

Senay: "Most kids can achieve the recommended calcium intake by eating three servings of dairy products per day, or four servings per day for teenagers.

"Dairy foods like milk, yogurt and cheese are the best sources of calcium. Other foods that contain calcium in lesser amounts include salmon, tofu, white beans, collard greens and tomatoes. Calcium-fortified foods include orange juice and breakfast cereals. Calcium supplements are also an option.

"The best way to get calcium is from a healthy diet. A recent study reported an increase in the bone mineral content in teens who took calcium supplements, but the long-term benefits are unknown."

What other strategies can be used to promote healthy bones during childhood?

Senay: "Diet is very much a family issue, and parents with poor eating habits often pass those habits on to their kids.

"The new recommendations say that doctors should periodically ask parents about family eating habits and make sure parents understand the importance of calcium in their child's diet. The guidelines also stress that infants, children, and teens need to receive 200 I.U. (International Units, a different way of measuring vitamins than milligrams) of vitamin D each day to help the body absorb calcium, and the updated guidelines also encourage weight-bearing exercise and other regular physical activity as part of an overall bone health program.

"It's important to get into good diet and exercise habits early on so that healthy bones are maintained throughout life."