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How much calcium does my child need daily?

Parenting Perspective

Infants between 1 and 3 years of age require approximately 700 mg of calcium every day to maintain a healthy skeleton and teeth. Calcium also contributes to the functions of muscles and nerve conduction. The amount can be supplied by breastmilk or formula and calcium-fortified foods such as yoghurt, cheese, fortified plant milk, and green leafy vegetables. Parents need to provide a range of these foods during the day, keeping portion sizes in line with appetite and age. Too much calcium in supplement form should be avoided as it will compete with the absorption of other minerals. Regular exercise promoted by good calcium intake serves to build strong bones and a general state of good health.

Spiritual Insight

Allah Almighty says in the noble Quran at Surah Al An’aam (6), Verse 141: ‘And (Allah Almighty) is the One Who has produced gardens that are cultivated, and others that are growing wild; and the palm trees and the various species of crops for consumption; and the olives and the pomegranates all resembling each other, and yet each one is exclusive; eat of its harvest when it bears fruit.…’ It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2664, that holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: ‘A strong believer is better and is more lovable to Allah Almighty than a weak believer, and there is good in everyone, (but) cherish that which gives you benefit (in the Hereafter)’. These teachings encourage nurturing strength and health through lawful, wholesome nourishment, including adequate calcium intake for growing children.

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