Nutrition Expert Advocates the Importance of Calcium for Child Bone Health, Family

Sunday Okobi

A family health expert and nutritionist, Mrs. Olufunmilola Ogunmiluyi, has postulated that humans are just like castles that need strong foundations to stand tall and weather any storm, adding that those foundations are their bones, and calcium is the key building block!

While exploring why calcium is so crucial for healthy child development and how to ensure he or she has the needed calcium to conquer the world of disease, she described calcium as the Mighty Mineral for Mighty Bones.
According to Ogunmiluyi, while speaking with journalists recently in Lagos, “Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body, and around 99 percent of it is stored in our bones and teeth. During childhood and adolescence, this mineral plays a vital role in building strong, dense bones that can support your child’s growth and activity. “Calcium acts like tiny bricks, helping to build strong, dense bones that can withstand everyday movement and activity. As your child grows, their body uses calcium to create new bone tissue and keep existing bones healthy.
“Throughout life, our bones are constantly undergoing a process called remodeling. Calcium is essential for this process, ensuring that old bone tissue is replaced with new, stronger bone.
“Strong bones supported by calcium provide proper posture and prevent skeletal problems like hunching or curvature of the spine. Strong bones also support your child’s balance and coordination.”

The Chief Dietitian Nutritionist disclosed that Calcium Crunch is the consequence of deficiency in the body.
She further added that not getting sufficient calcium can lead to several problems that can impact a child’s health and well-being.
“To prevent calcium deficiency, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends an annual intake of 210 liters of milk per person, but Nigeria’s average consumption falls far below the global standard to only 8.7 litres per person per year. “Consequently, inadequate consumption of quality diet predisposes children to weaker bones. Without enough calcium, bones become less dense and more prone to fractures and breaks. This can be particularly concerning during childhood when falls and bumps are common.
Rickets: This is a condition that causes soft, weak bones in children due to calcium deficiency. Symptoms include bone deformities, delayed growth, and muscle weakness. Stunted Growth: Calcium is also essential for proper growth and development. Deficiency can lead to stunted growth and a delay in reaching milestones,” she said.

In her recent journal where she described Calcium Champions as an act of building strong bones through diet, the nutrition expert said one can help his or her child get the calcium they need through a healthy diet!
Ogunmiluyi said: “Here are some top calcium-rich foods to add to their plate: Dairy: Milk (Peak 456 Growing Up Milk), yogurt, and cheese are classic sources of calcium. Let your child explore different varieties like low-fat yogurt with berries for a quick snack.
“Milk is a nutrient-dense liquid, which is naturally produced by the mammary glands of female mammals to nourish their young ones, and also a popular food source for humans.”

The expert, while chatting with journalists, warned against the dangers of inadequate milk consumption, noting that it could prevent the body from maximising bone mass accretion during growth and from achieving peak bone mass in adulthood.
She hinted at the importance of leafy green, saying: “Don’t underestimate the power of green veggies! Kale, spinach, and collard greens are packed with calcium and other essential nutrients. Try adding them to smoothies or sneaking them into pasta dishes.
“Canned salmon and sardines (fish) are excellent sources of calcium, thanks to the inclusion of soft, edible bones. Mash them into a spread for bread or create a delicious fish salad.

“Foods such as many cereals, plant-based milks, and orange juices are fortified with calcium. Look for these options at the grocery store and be sure to read food labels! (Navigate the Peak 456 website to see more on Food Labels).”
On additional ways to promote strong bones, Ogunmiluyi argued that diet isn’t the only factor in bone health, disclosing additional tips to promoting strong bones in your child, which include “Vitamin D: Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. Ensure your child gets enough sunlight exposure or consider a Vitamin D supplement after consulting with your doctor.
“Activities like running, jumping, and hopping put stress on bones, which helps to stimulate bone growth and density. Encourage your child to participate in weight-bearing exercises as part of their daily routine.
“Sugary drinks like sodas can interfere with calcium absorption. Encourage your child to drink plenty of water and limit sugary beverages.”
The dietitian advised that early intervention is key: “Building strong bones starts early. Develop healthy eating habits in your child from a young age.
“Every child is unique: Some children might have specific dietary needs or medical conditions that impact calcium absorption. Talk to your child’s doctor for personalised advice.
“Get creative with meals and involve your child in food prep. Making healthy choices a fun family adventure can set your child on the path to a lifetime of good bone health.”

Ogunmiluyi emphasised that children under the age of five with low consumption of milk may fail to maximise bone mass accretion during growth, which could affect peak bone mass in adulthood. This, she said, makes their bones weaker and more prone to fractures in later life.
“By prioritising calcium intake through diet and healthy habits, you’re helping to build a strong foundation for your child’s health and well-being. Remember, mummy, you are your child’s biggest supporter! Together, you can ensure their castle has the strongest foundations for a lifetime of adventures! Thankfully, Peak 456 Growing Up Milk contains calcium that is just appropriate for your toddler’s needs. Visit the Peak 456 Website for more tips and tricks on child nutrition,” the nutritionist added.