Nutritionist reveals the best foods for calcium supplementation, along with nutritional tips.

As children grow, they need different nutrients to build strong bones and a healthy body. As children get older, their ability to store calcium in their bones gradually decreases. Insufficient calcium intake during early childhood can affect bone strength later in life and even lead to osteoporosis. Nutritionists recommend five of the best calcium-rich foods to help children get enough calcium during this crucial period.

Functions of calcium

Calcium is responsible for muscle function, nerve transmission, and hormone secretion, but these functions account for less than 1% of the total calcium in the human body ; the other 99% is found in bones and teeth, which help to enhance strength and structure.

Calcium intake at different ages

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and needs to be replenished regularly. The recommended intake is 200 mg for infants; 260 mg for infants aged 7 to 12 months ; 700 mg for children aged 1 to 3 years ; 1,000 mg for children aged 4 to 8 years ; and 1,300 mg daily for adolescents aged 1 to 18 years (to promote growth during puberty).

There are many calcium-rich foods, so children do not need to take high doses of calcium supplements (such as 1,000 mg per day) to supplement calcium. Depending on the child's age and dietary calcium intake, 200-500 mg of calcium per day is sufficient, and calcium intake should all come from the child's daily diet. 

Calcium storage during golden period

As we age, the body loses its ability to store calcium in bones. When children enter early adulthood, their bones reach peak bone density, and the body primarily draws calcium from the stores in their bones. The body's need for calcium peaks between the ages of 9 and 18 ; insufficient calcium intake during this period can affect bone strength later in life, potentially leading to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition that makes bones so brittle that they can break under the pressure of bending over.

5 Best Foods to Eat

Best calcium-rich foods #1 : Dairy products 

Milk, cheese, and other dairy products are rich in calcium and are often the best sources for calcium absorption. Skim cheese has the highest calcium content, followed by skim milk and low-fat cheeses such as Cheddar . However, the absorption rate of calcium from cheese is inhibited by its phosphorus content, so it's important to consider the type of natural cheese when choosing it.

Natural cheese contains organic phosphorus, which has a lower absorption rate than the inorganic phosphorus added to processed cheese. Therefore, if you are concerned about phosphorus levels, it's better to eat natural cheese. How can parents tell if the cheese sold in the supermarket is natural or processed? Besides checking the English label for " Processed cheese" or "Natural cheese ," you can directly check the ingredients. If it lists a long list of additives, it's very likely processed cheese, while cheese with few ingredients is mostly natural cheese. Everyone should pay more attention to processed foods to avoid unknowingly consuming too much phosphorus, which can affect the body's calcium levels.

Best calcium-rich foods 2 | Grains

Grains are typically rich in calcium, and fortified grains provide up to 100 milligrams of calcium per serving.  

Best calcium-rich foods #3 : Canned salmon

Besides dairy products, canned salmon is one of the best dietary sources of calcium. Making salmon sandwiches for breakfast is very beneficial, as they also contain vitamin D , which helps the body absorb more calcium.

 

Best calcium-rich foods #4 : Soy products

Legumes contain a lot of fiber, and soy products include tofu, soy milk, and canned baked beans . 

5 Best Calcium-Rich Foods | Leafy Green Vegetables 

Among cabbage, broccoli, and kale, cabbage has the highest calcium content and also contains vitamins A and C. One cup of cooked leafy greens provides more than 40% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin A and nearly two-thirds of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C ; one cup of raw broccoli contains about 35 mg of calcium, while the same amount of cooked broccoli contains 76 mg.

 

Foods that hinder calcium absorption 

Calcium is an essential nutrient and is found in many foods such as milk, cheese, and yogurt. However, many foods can hinder calcium absorption. According to the National Institutes of Health, humans absorb about 30% of their calcium from the food they eat . In addition to diets rich in phytic acid (found in legumes, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, etc.) and sodium, diets low in vitamin D can also lead to poor calcium absorption. Because phytic acid binds with calcium and other minerals, effectively preventing absorption, excessive sodium consumption forces the body to draw minerals from bones to achieve balance, resulting in an overall net loss in absorption.

The Importance of Vitamin D in Supplementing Calcium in the Human Body 

Vitamin D deficiency can disrupt the overall regulation of calcium, making it crucial for calcium absorption. WHC Little Superman and Little Elf fish oils are IFOS 5-star certified in every batch , boasting high Omega-3 content to promote children's eye and brain development , enhance memory, and strengthen cognitive and comprehension abilities . The rTG form of the fish oil offers four times the absorption efficiency, and the added vitamin D3 promotes calcium absorption and boosts immunity ; suitable for children aged three and above .

References :

Eat Behav. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2016 Aug 1.

Published in final edited form as: Eat Behav. 2015 May 8;18:84–90. doi: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2015.04.006