Poor bone health seen in New Zealand children with low calcium intakes.

A recent study from New Zealand suggests that if children do not get enough calcium, their bones suffer. Researchers studied 50 children, 3-10 years old, who avoided cow's milk for a variety of reasons, including milk intolerance, dislike, and "lifestyle choice." Few children used calcium supplements or fortified calcium products, like juices or soymilk, so that their total calcium intake was around 400 milligrams per day. This is approximately half the recommended level of calcium for younger children and less than 1/3 of the recommended level of calcium for 9-13 year olds. The children who avoided cow's milk were compared to other children living in the same area and were found to be shorter, have smaller skeletons, and lower bone density. Lower bone density in adulthood increases the risk of osteoporosis. Children with low bone density may be at increased risk of breaking bones. Close to a quarter of the children in this study who avoided cow's milk had a history of broken bones. This seems high, although no comparison was made with the group drinking cow's milk. This study illustrates the importance of adequate calcium intake in childhood. Good sources of calcium for those who avoid dairy products include calcium-fortified soymilk, orange juice, and other juices; calcium-set tofu (tofu prepared with calcium sulfate, which contains more calcium than tofu made with nigari); and dark green vegetables, like kale and turnip greens.

Black RE, Williams SM, Jones IE, Goulding A. 2002. Children who avoid drinking cow milk have low dietary calcium intakes and poor bone health. Amer J of Clin Nutr 76:675-680.