| Calcium | 1448.00000000000 | Calcium | Calcium | C | English | Nutrition | Child (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | NA | Digestive system | Healthy living and prevention | Caregivers
Adult (19+)
Educators
Hospital healthcare providers
Community healthcare providers
Remote populations
First nations | NA | | 2013-09-27T04:00:00Z | | Theresa Couto, RD;Elly Berger, BA, MD, FRCPC, FAAP, MHPE;Francy Pillo-Blocka RD, FDC | | | | 0 | 0 | 0 | | Flat Content | Health A-Z | <p>Discover the role of calcium in the body.</p><p></p> | <p>Calcium is the main building block of our bones and teeth. If we do not get enough calcium in the diet, the body draws on the calcium reserves in the bones, making them weaker. </p> | | <h2>Key points</h2>
<ul><li>Calcium works with vitamin D to strengthen bones and teeth.</li>
<li>It is mostly found in green leafy vegetables, sardines, almonds, milk, cheese and yogurt.</li>
<li>Calcium supplements are usually not needed, but a doctor may recommend them if a child has osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis or celiac disease. </li></ul> | <figure class="asset-c-80"><img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/INM_NRC_track1-8-3_illustration_food_calcium.jpg" alt="Milk products and alternatives and vegetables and fruits containing calcium" /></figure>
<h2>Supplements</h2><ul><li>Infants do not need a calcium supplement if they drink the recommended amount of breast milk or infant formula. However, infants need a vitamin D supplement to help them absorb the calcium in their diet.</li><li>Infants aged nine months and older can start having calcium-rich foods such as soft cheese and yogurt.</li><li>Anyone over age two can get the recommended calcium by drinking two cups of milk or fortified soy beverage each day.</li><li>Those who are lactose intolerant can get calcium from reduced lactose or lactose-free products such as soy beverages, yogurts and cheeses. Other food sources include tofu and sesame seeds.</li><li>Speak to a doctor about a calcium supplement if you have osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis or celiac disease.</li></ul><p>
<strong>(!)</strong> Not recommended for children under four due to choking risk</p><p>
<a href="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/INM_NRC_track1-8-1_micronutrients_pdf.pdf" target="_blank">Print-Friendly Version</a><br></p> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/INM_NRC_track1-8-3_illustration_food_calcium.jpg | Calcium | | False | | | | | |
