We all know how imperative is calcium for kids. Calcium plays a decisive role in strengthening the body structures of both children and adults. It is a mineral which is vital for life, and it is a significant element for strong, healthy teeth and bones. But the job of calcium does not end here; calcium even promotes immune system maintenance, hormone release, and energy production.
Why is calcium essential for small children?
Since bone development is livelier during babyhood and teenage years, this is when the requirement of calcium is at the peak. As the children grow, they set down the bases for strong and healthy bones in adulthood. Roughly 90 percent of individuals reach their optimal bone mass by 20 (for boys) and 18 (for girls). During this period, bones have attained their utmost thickness and potency, making investing in bone health imperative in the early years. There will be fewer likelihoods of poor bone health in later life if the child has obtained a high peak bone mass in childhood.
How does calcium function in the body?
In childhood, bones consistently break down, grow and rebuild more. Thus, calcium is required for the restoration process; it aids the bone to rebuild accurately and remain strong. But calcium is not the sole nutrient that is involved.
Calcium for making the bones robust and healthy requires three other main nutrients:
- Vitamin K2
This nutrient is hard to get in sufficient quantities from food alone but is vital for the launch of the bone protein hormone (osteocalcin).
- Magnesium
It has an interactive, equally helpful connection with calcium. Besides, it serves to equalize the great calcium levels, which can build up in the body.
- Vitamin D
It is generated by exposure to sunlight and is well known for its talent to encourage calcium absorption.