Calcium is one of the most important nutrients our body needs, from birth to old age.
Not only is it involved in the growth and development of our bones from childhood, it also maintains our overall bone health later in life as adults.
Calcium isn’t just about building bones. It’s the foundation of our overall wellbeing and it’s essential at every age.
In this episode of AskMeDoctor!, we sat down with Jennifer Shim, a senior dietitian from Parkway East Hospital Singapore, to pick her brain about the importance of calcium, signs of deficiency and how we can ensure our families are getting enough of this vital nutrient.
Q1: What exactly is calcium deficiency?
Calcium deficiency occurs when our body does not get enough calcium to support its vital functions.
Q2: Can you further explain why calcium is so important for our bodies?
Calcium is super important for keeping our teeth and bones strong.
It also helps our muscle move, allows our nerves to send messages, and helps our blood to clot, when needed.
Like after a fall, for example. If our body does not get enough calcium, it will then take it from our bones, which weakens our bones over time.
Q3: What are the signs of calcium deficiency?
The signs of calcium deficiency vary from individuals to individuals. For some, it may be obvious, but in others, it may not occur immediately.
Some signs of calcium deficiency in children include muscle cramps, brittle nails, hair loss, or frequent tooth decay.
If the deficiency continues long-term, it may lead to stunted growth or delayed development. Regular checkups with a paediatrician can also help to monitor your child’s calcium levels.
Q4: Are there tests parents should ask for if they’re concerned?
Yes. A blood test can be done to measure their child’s calcium level and other factors that may affect calcium absorption and regulation.
A doctor may suggest a bone density scan if there are ongoing issues. Parents may choose to learn more about this from their paediatricians.
Q5: What causes calcium deficiency?
Contrary to popular belief, calcium deficiency is not just caused by a diet low in calcium.
Vitamin D deficiency, excessive caffeine intake, or other medical conditions may also prevent the body from absorbing the calcium properly.
Additionally, too much sodium intake can increase the losses of calcium through urine. These factors are all interconnected.
Q6: Who is most at risk to suffer from this condition?
Well, our children, teenagers, pregnant ladies or older adults are most vulnerable.
This group has higher calcium needs and might struggle to absorb calcium efficiently.
Q7: What happens if calcium deficiencies goes untreated in children and adults?
For children, it may result in weaker bones, delayed growth, or even conditions like rickets.
In adults, prolonged deficiency makes the bones more likely to fracture because of osteoporosis.
Muscle weakness and chronic fatigue are also common. That’s a big deal for both age groups.
Q8: Are there foods or habits that can stop the body from absorbing calcium properly?
As mentioned earlier, excessive caffeine intake can interfere with calcium absorption whereas a diet that is high in sodium will lead to losing more calcium through urine.
That is why it is important to limit processed food intake and balance our caffeine with some calcium-rich options such as cheese, milk or yogurt.
So, like everything else, moderation is key here, too.
Q9: How can parents ensure that children get enough calcium every day?
Including calcium-rich options in their diet is a great start.
These includes dairy products such as cheese, milk or yogurt, leafy greens, beans, tofu, calcium-fortified products, or fish with soft bones such as sardines.
Pair these with vitamin D sources like sunlight or foods such as egg, oily fish and fortified foods to boost the absorption.
Q10: Is this advice the same for adults?
Yes. And for best results, adults should also focus on weight bearing exercises to strengthen their bones alongside a calcium-rich diet.
Fortify Your Family’s Calcium Intake with Bega and Farmer’s Union
It’s clear that calcium plays an essential role in our health at every stage of life. .
Looking for fun, nutritious snacks for your little ones that will also fulfil their calcium requirements?
Let us introduce you to two snack time champions!
First up, Bega Stringers. These are natural cheese sticks available in delicious mozzarella and cheddar variants.
They’re Halal certified, vegetarian-friendly, and packed with calcium. These stringers are perfect for lunchboxes, quick snacks or on-the-go refuels.
For kids six and up, there’s Farmers Union Kids Yogurt. Loved even by adults, this smooth and creamy yogurt is available in Honey, Mango, Strawberry, and Vanilla variants.
Made with Australian milk and no artificial colours or flavours, it’s a lunchbox win every time! With these snacks, keeping your family fueled has never been easier!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Mamahood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
For more insightful stories and parenting advice, stay tuned to Mamahood Singapore!