To ensure their children have a strong nutritional foundation, many parents start giving them nutritional supplements as early as possible, with calcium supplements being the most popular. However, how can children supplement calcium scientifically? What are the scientifically sound methods for calcium supplementation? Here are some tips: "Vitamin D + Calcium" is the key to scientifically supplementing calcium for children!
How should babies take vitamin D to supplement calcium?
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin with five compounds. Vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 are most closely related to health, as their functions and uses are identical. Active vitamin D is derived from different provitamin D (inactive vitamin D precursors) after exposure to ultraviolet light. Plants do not contain vitamin D, but provitamin D is present in both plants and animals. Ergosterol in plants is a provitamin D2, which can be converted into vitamin D2, also known as ergocalciferol, after ultraviolet irradiation. 7-dehydrocholesterol, found in the subcutaneous tissue of humans and animals, is a provitamin D3, which is converted into vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol, after ultraviolet irradiation.
Vitamin D primarily functions in the body by promoting calcium absorption, thereby regulating various physiological functions. Studies have shown that vitamin D3 can induce the intestinal mucosa of many animals to produce a specific calcium-binding protein (CaBP), increasing the permeability of the intestinal mucosa to calcium ions and promoting calcium absorption in the intestine.
The main function of vitamin D is to regulate calcium and phosphorus metabolism in the body, maintaining blood calcium and phosphorus levels, thereby supporting the normal growth and development of teeth and bones. Infants and young children deficient in vitamin D are prone to rickets, while excessive intake of vitamin D can cause acute poisoning.
Three things to keep in mind when supplementing calcium for children
There's a right time to take calcium supplements!
For babies aged 0-5 months, adequate breastfeeding or formula feeding can generally meet their calcium needs for development. After 6 months, as activity levels and food intake increase, bone development accelerates, and the need for calcium also increases. Therefore, calcium supplementation should begin after 6 months to ensure normal development.
Children should take calcium supplements in appropriate amounts!
According to the "Chinese Dietary Reference Intakes," the recommended daily calcium intake is 400 mg for babies aged 6-12 months, 600 mg for children aged 1-3 years, and 800 mg for children aged 4-10 years. Parents can give their babies calcium supplements as appropriate, while ensuring a normal diet.
There are many ways to supplement calcium for children!
Besides timing and dosage, the method of calcium supplementation for children also matters. Currently, common methods for children to supplement calcium include the following:
Dietary sources: Milk, kelp, dried shrimp, and soy products are all excellent sources of calcium, providing babies with sufficient calcium. These can be included in their daily diet as appropriate. For fruits, navel oranges, grapefruits, and tangerines are good choices for calcium supplementation.
Calcium supplements: Compared to dietary sources, calcium supplements offer a more direct, stable, and targeted effect. However, parents should note that different age groups require different calcium supplements.
