CALCIUM CRISIS" AFFECTS AMERICAN YOUTH
Only 13.5 percent of girls and 36.3 percent of
boys age 12 to 19 in the United
States get the recommended daily amount (RDA) of calcium, placing
them at serious risk for osteoporosis and other
bone diseases, according to national statistics from the U.S.
Department of Agriculture. Because nearly 90
percent of adult bone mass is established by the
end of this age range, the nation's youth stand in the
midst of a calcium crisis.
Osteoporosis is a pediatric disease with geriatric
consequences in childhood.
With low calcium intake levels during these important
bone growth periods, today's children and teens
are certain to face a serious public health
problem in the future.
But the major effects of this crisis are yet to
come. "As these children get older, this
calcium crisis will become more serious as the
population starts to show its highest rate of
osteoporosis and other bone health problems
in our nation's history," Dr. Alexander said.
"But we need to remember that this is a
preventable and "correctable" public
health problem."
The Institute's Milk Matters campaign stresses low-fat
or fat-free milk as the preferred source of
dietary calcium because:
 | Milk has a high calcium content. |
| Calcium in milk is easily absorbed by the body. |
| Milk contains other nutrients, including vitamin
D,
vitamin A, B12, potassium, magnesium, and
protein, that are
essential to healthy bone and tooth development.
|
| If you don't drink milk, it's important to get
calcium
from other sources, like other dairy products,
green leafy
vegetables, and foods with added calcium
|
.The MILK MATTERS WEB SITE,
www.nichd.nih.gov/milkmatters,
is also an excellent source for information on
calcium
| "Why Milk Matters" -- explains why
children and teens need calcium |
| "Why Calcium" -- explains why
calcium is so important
how much calcium children and teens need, and how
physical
activity plays a role in building strong bones;
also lists
foods that are sources of calcium and provides
facts about
lactose intolerance and calcium supplements.
|
| Kids & Teens" --
provides an interactive place for children and
teens
to learn more about calcium. It includes
games, quizzes,
and other activities related to calcium and milk,
as well
as fun ways to build strong and healthy bones and
teeth
|
.For more information on the MILK MATTERS campaign,
contact the NICHD Clearinghouse at
1-800-370-2943, or visit the campaign Web site
at www.nichd.nih.gov/milkmatters.
Calcium
Calculator
- Total calcium load at one time. Your
body can best handle about 500 mg of calcium at one time,
whether from food or supplements. Consume your calcium
supplements and calcium foods throughout the day rather than all
at one time.
- Time of day. If you take just one
supplement, it's probably best to take it in the evening.
Try taking calcium carbonate at dinner time and calcium citrate
before bed. This may enhance absorption and utilization.
Osteoporosis
information.
Calcium
intake levels in the United States: issues and considerations
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Tips to Help the Whole
Family!
How to Get 3 - 4 Servings of Dairy Each Day
There’s more to milk, yogurt and cheese than
calcium…
Dairy is naturally nutrient rich and a great source of calcium plus
eight key nutrients that fuel your body, not just your bones.
It’s deliciously easy to get 3 - 4 servings of milk, yogurt or
cheese every day:
Kick-start the day with a balanced breakfast – Include foods
from at least three different food groups, such as an omelet with
Cheddar cheese and diced vegetables, or cereal with milk and fresh
fruit.
Snack smart – Stock the fridge with healthy, nutritious
grab-and-go snacks like string cheese, portable yogurts and
single-serve containers of milk.
Eat together – Family mealtime is a great time to model
healthy eating behavior and to make sure your kids eat a balanced
meal.
Don’t skip the dairy – Recent research finds that children
who included calcium from dairy foods in their diet had lower body fat
than children with lower dairy calcium intakes.1
Be a good role model – Children ages eight to 17 rank mom
above sports celebrities, actors and actresses, and musicians as the
most important influencer of their behavior. Set a good example and
drink your milk, too!
Quick Snacks
These quick and easy snack recipes are great for you and your
family’s on-the-go lifestyle.
Smoothie – combine 1 cup of milk or yogurt, fruit and ice
cubes
Cheesy Popcorn – toss ¼ cup of tangy lowfat Colby cheese
shreds with popcorn
Pretzel Wrap – roll a fat-free pretzel rod in 1 – 2 slices
of reduced-fat Swiss cheese
Ham and Cheese Quesadilla – layer ¼ cup of shredded
reduced-fat Monterey Jack with slices of lean ham in tortillas
Cheddar Apple – wrap slices of reduced-fat Cheddar around
apple wedges
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Sipping certain beverages might
increase your risk of kidney stones.
A new study revealed that caffeine may cause calcium loss and
increase the risk of developing kidney stones, particularly in
people with a history of this problem. If you're interested in
limiting your caffeine intake, try cutting back on coffee, tea,
cola, chocolate, and coffee-flavored ice cream.
RealAge Benefit: Actively patrolling your health can make your
RealAge as much as 12
years younger.
February 06, 2008
|
FAMILY GENTLE DENTAL CARE