Calcium – Great Nutrition for Bones and Teeth

Calcium - Great Nutrition for Bones and Teeth

Milk is packed with goodness for growing children: calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and zinc. Milk also supplies other essential nutrients for growing children, including protein for muscle growth and vitamins like riboflavin that release the energy from food.

An excellent source of calcium for growing bones

The calcium, phosphorus and protein in milk play a vital role in the development of strong bones. Strong bones are needed to provide the framework for the body to move and protect the vital organs.

When we are first born, bones are quite soft. They harden (or calcify) when phosphorus, calcium and protein are deposited in them. One of the major growth processes that occurs in children is the lengthening of their long bones (the bones found in their arms and legs). As children's bones lengthen they also get stronger and more dense through continuing to deposit calcium and other bone minerals.

Most of the bones in our body reach their strongest - or "peak bone mass" in our 20s. Once peak bone mass is reached, bones won't get any stronger. Therefore childhood and adolescence are critical times for ensuring maximum bone health for life. Milk and dairy products are nature's most concentrated source of calcium, so two to three servings a day help supply the necessary calcium for building strong, dense bones.

Bones begin to lose calcium in our 30s and 40s. If we build up good calcium stores before they reach peak bone mass, loss of small amounts of calcium should not be a problem. However, if bones do not have sufficient mineral deposits when we reach peak bone mass, bone breakdown may result in later life.

Numerous scientific studies show that increasing calcium intake to the recommended level increases bone density and may also help protect against broken bones in childhood and osteoporosis in later life. If we don't give our children enough calcium now, their bone strength and health could become compromised.

Terrific for smiles too!

Milk is also important for the growth and protection of teeth. For strong, healthy teeth you need fluoride, protein, calcium and phosphorus. Milk and cheese are the only foods that naturally give you protein, calcium and phosphorus in one package. Not only do dairy products help build strong teeth, they also help protect them from decay. Bacteria in the mouth turn sugar to acid, which causes tooth decay. Milk and dairy products, especially cheese, stop this process occurring. Eating cheese or drinking milk at the end of a meal can therefore help prevent decay.

How much calcium do kids need?

The amount of calcium a child needs depends on their age and stage of growth. Recommended daily calcium intakes for children are:

A glass of ordinary milk has about 230mg of calcium.

Click here to take our calcium quiz and find out if your kids are getting enough.