Experts believe that many children in Ireland aren’t getting enough calcium. According to studies 28% of boys and 37% of girls aged 5-12 years have inadequate intakes of calcium. A reason for this may be because juice and other non dairy drinks have increased in popularity and as a result children are drinking less milk. However, there are some changes you can make to ensure they are getting enough calcium in their diets:
- Start the day with a bowl of breakfast cereal and milk.
- Always use milk instead of water when making cereals, hot cocoa, and soups.
- Add yogurt to fruit salads; and cheese to vegetables, sauces, and mashed potatoes.
- Buy calcium-fortified juice, bread, and breakfast cereals.Vitamin D helps to absorb calcium so it is important to ensure your child is getting enough of it.
