Children need more calcium and vitamin D

The contribution of vitamin D and calcium in the diet of Spanish children it is "insufficient" to meet the nutritional needs of this stage of life. This is clear from the data collected in the National Food Survey in children and adolescents in Spain (ENALIA), designed and developed by the Spanish Agency for Consumer Affairs, Food Safety and Nutrition (AECOSAN).

Thus, although intakes of vitamin D are insufficient in practically all of the Spanish child and adolescent population - in line with what happens in other countries of the European framework such as the Netherlands, Belgium or Finland - the survey yields the data that calcium intakes, a fundamental mineral in the formation and bone growthare also inadequate, especially from 9 years old, and more strongly, in girls.


In this sense, although insufficient intakes of vitamin D and calcium are more pronounced in the case of girls, their diet is also especially deficient in the contributions of other nutrients such as vitamin E, folic acid, magnesium and iodine, in comparison with the intakes presented by males, a situation that is accentuated between 9 and 14 years.

Similarly, the ENALIA survey has also shown that the contribution of sodium in the diet is excessive in a considerable percentage of children, and is even higher in the case of the male child population. The same happens with zinc intakes, which exceeds the maximum tolerable level in more than half of those under 4 years.


Dietary sources of calcium and vitamin D

In light of the data obtained, it is worth remembering that the main Dietary sources of vitamin D include fish, egg yolk and liver. In addition, it is important to bear in mind that while the sun exposure help synthesize vitamin D in the organism, this is not always enough to counteract the low contributions of this nutrient through diet.

Regarding calcium, it is important to emphasize that milk and its derivatives such as yogurt or cheese is the main dietary source of calcium, not only for its high content in this mineral, but also for its high bioavailability thanks to the others milk components, such as vitamin D, proteins or phosphorus, as stated in the report 'Milk as a vehicle for health' prepared by the Spanish Nutrition Foundation (FEN) and the Ibero-American Nutrition Foundation (FINUT).


In this regard, as indicated in the conclusions of the ENALIA study, scientific evidence has shown the beneficial effects of cUse of milk and milk for proper bone development in childhood and adolescence and also for an adequate body composition in adults, as well as in reducing the risk of childhood obesity and the development of type 2 diabetes.

Currently there are certain foods specially prepared to meet the needs of children at this stage, such as growth milks enriched with calcium, iron, omega 3 fatty acids DHA and vitamin D, and can be a useful alternative and interest in the case of that a nutritional deficiency is identified in the child that could compromise its adequate development.

Feeding in children, essential for proper development

Early childhood is one of the periods in which the child develops more quickly, so follow proper dietary habits adapted to the nutritional requirements of this stage of life is key to achieve adequate growth. Also, adolescence is also a key period, as the nutritional requirements for vitamins, minerals and trace elements are increased substantially.

In addition, the dietary habits acquired at this stage usually remain in adulthood, and an inadequate diet in these first years of life can have serious long-term consequences, such as an increased risk of developing osteoporosis or developing cardiovascular diseases.

Marina Berrio

It may interest you:

- Yogurt, the hallmark of a healthy diet and lifestyle

- Milks of growth and adapted: the dilemma

- Stress, fatigue, exhaustion ... do I need vitamins?

- How much milk should children drink?

- Children with milk allergy

Video: Calcium Absorption Study - Texas Children's Hospital


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