Calcium in breast milk primarily functions to support the infant's bone mineralization and overall skeletal growth.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Bone Development: Calcium is a crucial building block for bones and teeth. Breast milk provides a readily available source of calcium that infants can easily absorb and utilize for the rapid bone growth that occurs during infancy.
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Mineralization Process: Calcium intake directly affects the mineralization of the new bone deposit matrix. This mineralization process is essential for creating strong and healthy bones.
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Osteoblast Function: Osteoblasts are cells responsible for bone formation. Calcium plays a vital role in supporting the function of osteoblasts, enabling them to effectively build new bone tissue.
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Growth and Length: The calcium content in breast milk contributes significantly to the infant's growth, particularly their body length. Adequate calcium intake helps ensure proper skeletal development and contributes to achieving optimal growth potential.
In summary, the calcium in breast milk is essential for bone development, mineralization, osteoblast function, and overall growth in infants, especially influencing body length.
