IS YOUR CHILD GETTING ENOUGH CALCIUM? Think about your family’s nutrition habits. Daily calcium intake is critical to great oral and whole body health.
Kids Over 4 Require 1,000 mg Per Day (or more!)
The most well-known calcium source is milk. About three cups provides 1,000 mg. But if milk’s not your kid’s favorite, don’t sweat it! Calcium is also found in leafy greens, seeds, nuts, and other great foods. Here are some high-calcium foods, and how much of each your child will need to eat to get 1,000 mg.
- 1-1/4 cups of sesame seeds
- 5 cups of white beans
- 2 cups fortified orange juice
- 2 cans of salmon
- 1 cup of tofu
- 2-1/2 cups of almonds
- 5 cups of spinach
Obviously, you’ll want to mix and match each day. Very few people eat a whole cup of sesame seeds! Here are the daily calcium amounts recommended by the National Institutes of Health: 
Know What Nutrition Labels Mean!
We see these labels all the time! But do you know how to help your family benefit from that information? Most people don’t. Take a minute to watch this video:
Calcium Deficiency Affects Your Whole Body
It’s not too early for you to think about calcium’s effects on your child’s health. Calcium fortifies our teeth against decay. It also helps our nerves, blood vessels, and bones work properly. Improper calcium intake can lead to muscle cramps, abnormal heart rhythms, and lethargy. However, the most common and severe side effect is osteoporosis. Many people know that osteoporosis increases the risk of broken bones. It can also greatly increase our risk of tooth loss!. Our jawbone anchors our teeth, and if the jawbone isn’t strong, teeth can become unstable. In fact, people with osteoporosis are three times more likely to lose teeth than those with healthy bones.
Do You Have Any Tips For Feeding Your Child Sufficient Calcium?
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