Calcium - the element marked with the chemical formula Ca - is absorbed via the alimentary canal, through the intestines - into the bloodstream. The child's body uses it from 99% to build bones, spine and teeth. In addition, the essential components of the skeleton are: phosphorus and fibrous protein - collagen, which is not usually lacking in diet, as well as vitamin D and C, magnesium and trace minerals.
Infants need calcium most.
Fast weight and bone growth is characteristic of infants. During infancy (about 1 year), in normal health conditions and at the appropriate level of supplying the child with vitamin D - mother's food completely covers the need for calcium. However, the nursing mother should be careful not to run out of milk and its products, which are especially rich in this element. For example, during the day the body of a pregnant (or breast-feeding) woman should receive about 1600 mg of calcium (Ca), which corresponds to approx. 1.5 liters of milk, or almost 1 kg of curd (according to the Institute of Food and Nutrition). If calcium is too low in the diet - or for some reason can not consume dairy products (eg milk allergy or aversion to this food) - should use a suitable calcium preparation from the pharmacy. (1.2)
At the age of 2-8, the child's growth is slightly slower
There is still a large dose of calcium that the child should already take from the food. During the day it should be up to 800 - 1 000 mg Ca, which corresponds to about 0, 75 - 1, 0 liter of milk or about half a kg of curd! This large amount of calcium is needed, due to the principle of so-called A positive calcium balance, which says that in your baby's blood should be a little more calcium than it is consumed and excreted in the urine. Especially that in this age there is an increased excretion of calcium in the urine. If the child is allergic to dairy foods, use a calcium preparation bought at the pharmacy. (1.4)
Increased demand for calcium at the age of 9-17
In this age, the demand for this building element due to aging increases. The endocrine system produces more growth hormones, gonads are activated, and sex hormones (estrogens in girls) are produced, which in turn increases the absorption of calcium and accelerates bone growth. This means increased demand for calcium - up to about 1200 - 1,500 mg (1,4)
At what rate is the skeleton strengthened in children?
Bones grow up to 18 years of age and usually reach 90% of their target weight. A high percentage of calcium mineralized in their supporting structure already provides the bones with a relatively high density and mass, and thus stiffness counteracting fractures. After the age of 18, the bones grow slower, supplementing the missing ones with approx. 10% of calcium lasts for the next 10-15 years. At around age 35, human bones reach the peak of their calcium "density" (mineralization) and structural strength at the same time. The value of the so-called peak bone mass depends, however, on the genetic predisposition, as well as on the diet's abundance of calcium and other building blocks and a healthy, active lifestyle. Around the age of 35, bone density and mass begins to decrease. (1.2)
Growth inhibition when missing in the calcium diet ...
Bones become weak when their density (mineralization) and mass do not reach the optimum. In Poles, the most common cause of brittle bones is the lack of calcium in the diet. One should know that the menu of statistical Kowalski provides only about 400 milligrams of this element. Especially young children who do not have enough calcium, grow badly, suffer from rickets.The phenomenon is deepening when the diet lacks vitamins D and C, protein, magnesium and other substances that support the absorption of calcium in the intestines and the incorporation of this mineral into the bone tissue.
A deficiency of calcium and vitamin D is a threat to the posture
Chronic deficiency of calcium and vitamin D in the diet may cause a defective posture. Distortion can result in the shape of the spine as well as the functions of bones and muscles. You need to know that the development of postural defects in children can last very short - sometimes they arise within a few weeks! That is why it is so important to spot any abnormalities in the posture and body structure of a growing child as soon as possible. In the early period of deformation formation - posture defects are subjected to treatment. (11)
The threat of osteoporosis
Chronic deficiency of calcium and vitamin D during the developmental period may lead to serious disturbances of bone mineralization and slow growth, and as a consequence, the body will not achieve optimal bone mass (the so-called peak) and adequate growth. A deficiency of calcium in the diet of the growing organism may also cause irregularities in the teeth. In these elderly people, osteoporosis may develop rapidly.
Other calcium tasks in the body
In addition to the structural role for skeleton - calcium plays a fundamental role in many physiological and biochemical processes. In the right amount in the blood is necessary for, among others:
- normalization of excitability of the nervous system
- regulation of muscle contraction strength
- activation of many enzymes and hormones
- normalization of the blood coagulation system.
Ed. Edward Ozga Michalski, MA
More knowledge in other articles of the department:
BONE CONSTRUCTION
BONE GROWTH INPUT
LOW-DRY DIET
INCUSION OF THE CALCIUM DEPENDS FROM VITAMIN D
DIET A MINERALIZATION OF BONE
CALCIUM ABSORPTION BARRIERS
Literature:
1. Ziemlański Światosław: The basics of proper human nutrition. Nutritional recommendations for the population in Poland; 1998; Danone Institute - Foundation for the Promotion of Healthy Nutrition.
2. Vitamins, minerals, E numbers, U.Unger-Gobel, ed. MUZA SA, 1997 s 131
3. Osteoporum -The body's need for calcium, ed. online Polfa Łódź 2004
4. Calcium health element - Danuta Kalińska Moje zdrowie, 1999
5. Diet in osteoporosis, "Let's live longer" 10 (October) 1999
7. Marcinowska-Suchowierska E .: Risk factors for osteoporosis. Medical Magazine, 2002: 1: 30-39.
8. Proposed milk diet doc. dr hab. farm of Aleksandra Ożarowski, Moje Zdrowie, 1996
9. The WIEM encyclopedia - http://portalwiedzy.onet.pl/92959,,,wapn,haslo.html
10. Source: http://www.nadzieja.pl/lekarz/rola_wapnia.html
11. Lorenc R.S., Karczmarewicz E .: The importance of proper calcium supply for the general health of the body; 1992. Medycyna 2000, 29/30: 14-19.
12.VITAMIN D - YES OR NOT? dr Joloanta Ganowicz - Ph.D., pediatrician, neonatologist (Centrum Zdrowia Dziecka in Warsaw.) "More Believers" Magazine No. 20/4/2000
13. Calcium-phosphate economy in the states of physiology and pathology of the digestive system; Contemporary Pediatrics. Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Child Nutrition 2001, 3, 2, 111-117 ISSN 1507-5532, Author: Prof. dr hab. Józef Ryżko. Clinic of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition of the Institute of Human Physiotherapy.
14. The role of calcium and vitamin D and its active metabolites in the prevention of osteoporotic fractures dr. Med. Waldemar Misiorowski, Doctor's Guide 10/2004
15. Food allergy - what is this disease? ¬ródło: http: //www.lapharma.info/u235/navi/198609; dr n. medJanusz Ciok; Institute of Food and Nutrition, 2000.
16. Lactose intolerance in infants, children and adolescents - Current (2006) position of the American Academy of Pediatrics - elaboration based on: Lactose intolerance in infants, children, and adolescents Melvin B. Heyman on behalf of the Nutrition Committee American Academy of Pediatrics Pediatrics, 2006 ; 118: 1279-1286 Medycyna Praktyczna Pediatria 2007/01
