Beware of the Dangers of Calcium Deficiency in Children

Beware of the Dangers of Calcium Deficiency in Children - Alodokter Ensuring that a child's calcium needs are fulfilled properly is important. Because, calcium is one of the minerals that the body needs to support the growth of children. The effects of calcium deficiency are very diverse, ranging from growth disorders to an increased risk of disease in children. Therefore, it is important for parents to pay attention to the child's calcium intake early.

The Function of Calcium for Child Growth

Many roles that calcium has in supporting children's growth and development. Here are a few:

• Form strong and healthy bones

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

• Optimizing the performance of the heart organ

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

• Important role in carrying out bodily functions

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

Beware of the Bad Impact of Calcium Deficiency

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

• Growth is not optimal

Children whose calcium intake is not sufficiently well will experience suboptimal growth, including height. Children who lack calcium usually will be shorter, when compared with children whose calcium needs are met properly.

• Suffered from a bone disorder

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

• Risk of osteoporosis in old age

Children whose calcium needs are not adequately met are more at risk for fractures. The possibility for osteoporosis in old age will also be even greater.

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

Milk as the Best Source of Calcium in Children

To avoid the adverse effects of calcium deficiency on children, make sure that the child's calcium needs are fulfilled 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 calcium needs in 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, you can give full cream UHT milk. UHT milk is ready-to-drink packaged milk that has been processed through high temperature processing. This type of milk can last longer, even up to 9 months in a closed package. Besides calcium, full cream UHT milk 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, peas, salmon, yogurt, orange juice, and soy milk. Making sure your 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 fulfilled, because vitamin D plays a role in the process of calcium absorption in the body. If necessary, consult further with your pediatrician, to get recommendations on the best way to meet the child's calcium needs.