Vitamins & Minerals

Calcium is needed most during childhood years for bone and teeth mineralisation and maintenance.

During their period of development, children need two to four times as much calcium per kilogram of body weight as adults do. The USRDA for children below 4 yrs is 800 mg/day, while for children aged 4 and above is 1000 mg/day. Since dairy foods are the primary source of calcium, children who do not consume enough dairy or have an aversion to dairy products may be at risk for calcium deficiency.

Deficiency in calcium and other supporting nutrients may cause soft and porous bone, leading to bone deformation and poor posture. Decaying teeth and spasms in the legs and arms are other noticeable symptoms of a calcium deficiency. Insufficiency in calcium during the childhood years can lead to osteoporosis later in life.

Magnesium is another important component for bone formation. Magnesium helps improve bone quality and appears to play a role in maintaining bone mass. It also enhances the absorption of calcium from food and its retention in the body.

Both calcium and magnesium help to maintain healthy nerve and muscle function, prevent muscle cramps, shakes and tremors in children.