Calcium is critically important for growing children because it is the primary building block for developing strong, healthy bones and teeth.
Building Blocks for Life
During childhood and adolescence, the body is in a crucial phase of bone development. This period represents a unique opportunity to build bone density that will last a lifetime. As the reference states, "We only get one chance to build strong bones — when we're kids and teens." Getting enough calcium during these formative years ensures that children build the strongest possible skeletal structure.
Key Reasons Calcium is Essential
Here's why adequate calcium intake is vital for children:
- Building Strong Bones: Calcium is deposited in bones, making them dense and strong. This is especially critical during growth spurts when bones are lengthening and thickening rapidly.
- Starting Adult Life with Strong Bones: As highlighted in the reference, "Children who get enough calcium start their adult lives with the strongest bones possible." A strong foundation built in childhood provides maximum bone mass as they enter adulthood.
- Protecting Against Future Bone Loss: The bone mass accumulated during childhood and adolescence is a major determinant of bone health later in life. By maximizing peak bone mass early on, children "That protects them against bone loss later in life," reducing the risk of conditions like osteoporosis in adulthood.
- Preventing Rickets: For young kids and babies, calcium (along with Vitamin D) is essential to prevent rickets. Rickets is a disease that causes bones to become soft and weak, leading to bowed legs and other skeletal deformities.
Ensuring Adequate Calcium Intake
Providing children with calcium-rich foods is the best way to support their bone health. Sources include dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese, as well as fortified foods and leafy green vegetables. Ensuring they also get enough Vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium, is equally important.
In summary, sufficient calcium intake during childhood is not just about immediate growth; it's an investment in long-term skeletal health, providing the necessary strength to prevent diseases and bone weakness in adulthood and protecting very young children from rickets.
