Kids and Calcium

Good ol' milk is at threat of being extinct today. It has given way to aerated drinks and fast foods that have poor nutrition value as compared to the rich attributes of nature's best bet. This has singularly led to a sharp decline in levels of calcium that's pivotal to a child's diet.

Those who consume milk as a routine are known to acquire the recommended levels of Calcium as opposed to others who have replaced milk with unhealthy substitutes. Used by the body primarily for growth and development of bones, school-going children and adolescents feel the need for calcium the most.

Use of Calcium : The rate of bone growth is highest during when there is an overall development of teeth, bones and soft tissues. It's during this time calcium is needed the most. Among the more important ingredients in human body, an adult man of about 60kg has as much as one kg of calcium present mostly in bones. That apart, besides bones, in small quantities calcium plays a pivotal role in neuromuscular excitation, blood coagulation and membrane permeability.

Effect of Absence : For all bone growth, the presence of calcium in adequate is mandatory. Long-term poor dietary intake of calcium owing to warped lifestyles and eating patterns leads to brittle bones. It also makes a human lot more prone to fractures and bone compression issues even from simple fall or injuries. It can also result in nerve and muscle impairment like skeletal muscle spams and abnormal heart beats.

Tackling Dietary Hurdles : The biggest hurdle a mother faces is getting her child to have that glass of milk that's necessary for proper growth. So, instead of the bland ol' plain MILK, you could try lending flavour and colour to the product. Blended with fruits and flavoured too, you could find milk-shakes a lot more preferred to milk.

Also, CHEESE - a milk by-product will help your child obtain the pre-requisite levels of calcium. So, sandwiches, rolls and spreads are a great way to pack in that calcium requirement.

Even green, leafy VEGETABLES could be blended into food like mint parathas, Frankie rolls with spinach, stuffed pakodas to boost calcium intake. French toasts as well as cheesy omelettes provide for the prefect calcium camouflage as they're tasty yet healthy option for the growing child.

Last but not the least, go for the new products in the market which have been fortified with calcium derived from a glass of milk- the perfect solution to calcium problem.