America’s Kids are Deficient in Key Nutrients
Studies Validate Calcium and Vitamin D Crucial to Building Young Bones
06/24/2008
A recent report from the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Nutrition cites an increasing number of children and adolescents suffer from an inadequate intake of calcium, a nutrient essential to bone growth and density. Other research found 42 percent of adolescents had insufficient vitamin D levels, another nutrient key to bone growth and density.
Helping prevent this growing concern actually begins in childhood with kid-friendly foods. While foods like salmon and cod liver oil undoubtedly provide nutrients crucial to building strong bones, a quick-to-fix cereal breakfast fortified with both calcium and vitamin D is an easy and tasty way to get kids on the right nutritional path – both in the morning and as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Falling Short…
Another recent study showed children are not getting enough calcium and vitamin D from the foods they choose. Among kids aged 6-12, six out of ten are not getting the recommended amount of calcium, and five out of ten are not getting the recommended amount of vitamin D.
“Maintaining adequate calcium and vitamin D intake during childhood and adolescence is necessary for the development of peak bone mass, which may be important in reducing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis later in life,” notes Kathleen Zelman, MPH, RD/LD.
Studies also show that adults are not leading by example, as many Americans are not meeting the recommendations for vitamin D. Teenage girls and adult women are especially likely to have inadequate vitamin D intakes.
“Because of the influence of the family’s diet on the diet of children and adolescents, adequate calcium and vitamin D intake by all members of the family is very important in ensuring long-term bone health,” added Zelman.
How Much is Enough?
Dietitians recommend food as the primary source of vitamins, minerals and nutrients, including calcium and vitamin D. Cereals fortified with calcium and vitamin D, dairy products and some fatty fish are all sources of these nutrients. In order to satisfy a child’s calcium requirements, the USDA’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend two cups of dairy every day for kids aged 2-8 in the form of low-fat or fat-free milk, cheese or yogurt.
For children aged 1-3, the recommendation is 500 milligrams of calcium per day, and 200 International Units of vitamin D per day. When a child is 4-8 years of age, calcium recommendations are boosted to 800 milligrams per day, while vitamin D requirements remain the same.
Kid-Friendly Sources of Calcium and Vitamin D
To help ensure healthy bones for young bodies, choose foods kids enjoy, such as their favorite breakfast cereal fortified with both vitamin D and calcium. For example, a ¾-cup serving of Cinnamon Toast Crunch with a ½-cup of milk and a six ounce serving of Yoplait Light yogurt supplies 45 percent of a child’s daily recommendation for calcium and vitamin D.
“A well-rounded diet including low-fat dairy products, whole grains, beans, lean protein (meat, fish, poultry), healthy fats, fruits and vegetables, along with regular physical activity are important to achieving good health and strong bones and teeth,” said Zelman. “Establishing healthy habits in childhood will help ensure smart eating choices are made throughout a lifetime.”
About General Mills and Big G Kid cereals
All General Mills Big G Kid cereals contain 12 essential vitamins and minerals and offer at least eight grams of whole grain per serving. General Mills Big G is the only leading line of kid cereals with both calcium and vitamin D in every product. All Big G Kid cereals will contain no more than 12 grams of sugar per serving by the end of 2008.
About Kathleen Zelman
Kathleen Zelman, MPH, RD/LD, is a prominent registered dietitian, author and educator. Her nutrition expertise is backed with years of professional experience as a clinical dietitian and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. She is a contributing writer to newspapers, magazines and Web sites. Her books include A Harvest of Healing Foods: Recipes and Remedies for the Mind, Body and Soul and Healthy Eating for Babies and Toddlers.
For more information about the benefits of calcium and vitamin D, go to eatright.org.
For more information contact:
Shelly DvorakGeneral Mills
(763) 764-6451
shelly.dvorak@genmills.com
Isaac Sorensen
Padilla Speer Beardsley Inc.
(612) 455-1749
isorensen@psbpr.com
