Is it good for children to take calcium tablets? Can it help them grow taller?

Calcium is an important component of human bones and teeth. Children in their growing stage have a higher demand for calcium. The stability of calcium in the body is related to calcium intake, vitamin D content, and parathyroid hormone. So is it good for children to take calcium tablets? Can it help them grow taller?

Do children need calcium supplements?

Milk is a source of calcium supplementation, which is easy to digest and absorb. However, many children do not drink milk, or only drink flavored milk. In this case, you may need to pay attention to calcium supplementation. In terms of the current living standards in China, as long as there is no serious picky eating, the calcium in the daily diet is sufficient to meet the needs of children's physical development. Therefore, if children can have a balanced diet, there is no need to deliberately supplement calcium; excessive supplementation is harmful.

What are the dangers of excessive calcium supplementation?

Excessive calcium supplementation will cause calcium to deposit in the bones, causing the bones of young children to calcify and fixate prematurely. It can also cause calcium to deposit in the kidneys, causing kidney stones. It can even cause loss of appetite and slow growth.

How to get calcium from food

1. Milk and dairy products are rich in protein and calcium. Animal foods such as meat, milk, and cheese are more easily absorbed by the small intestine; on the contrary, calcium in plant foods is more difficult to absorb.

2. Soda and cola contain phosphates, which will hinder the absorption of calcium.

3. Vitamin D helps with calcium absorption and storage. Moderate sun exposure and exercise help the body synthesize active vitamin D and assist in calcium storage.