Experts believe that many children in Ireland aren’t getting enough calcium. According to the National Children’s Food Survey (IUNA 2005) 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.
Did you know that eating breakfast cereals with milk is an effective way to increase calcium intake. Some cereals like Kellogg Coco Pops have added calcium, providing 17% daily calcium per serving without milk!
