So Long Milk Moustache – Kids Lack Calcium and Other Essential Nutrients

A nationwide survey of British parents has revealed as many as 20 percent of modern kids never drink milk, with over half having not drunk a glass of it in over six weeks.

In fact, as many as 32 percent of children outright refuse milk unless it is poured over high sugar cereal, according to the findings.

And a third of parents rightly worry that their child might not be getting enough calcium to keep them healthy.

Other calcium rich foods which should be part of a child’s diet include fish (which 37 percent of children refuse to eat), green leafy vegetables (49 percent), nuts (26 percent) and yoghurt (15 percent).

A diet rich in calcium and vitamin D for children, prevents problems with bone development and diseases such as rickets which softens bones and causes stunted growth and weak muscles.

Yet the study also shows one in five children refuse to eat cheese, another primary source of calcium, with 12 percent of youngsters only willing to eat cheese if it is on a pizza.

KidsHealth.org, recommend that children aged 4 to 8 years old need 1,000 mg of calcium a day (2–3 servings), while 9 to 18 years old need 1,300 mg of calcium a day (4 servings).

Dietician Priya Tew told Belle About Town: “Calcium is a key nutrient for so many of the body’s functions. Most people are aware of its role in building strong bones and teeth. Calcium also plays an important role in muscle contraction, blood clotting, sending nerve impulses and the regulation of the heartbeart.

“Calcium stores are also laid down in childhood, impacting on later life. It is therefore a nutrient to focus on in childrens’ diets. Finding ways to make calcium rich foods without adding extra sugars to their diet can be tricky. Making smoothies with fruit and yoghurt, homemade milkshakes or frozen yoghurt are some examples.”

According to the study by YAZOO KiDS, more than a third of children drink at least one can of fizzy drink every single day, with a further 36 percent drinking diet drinks containing aspartame each day.

More than two thirds of the parents polled were concerned that their child is a fussy eater – and as many as 32 percent had no idea why calcium was important or which foods contained calcium.

Almost a fifth of parents admit to never drinking milk themselves, eight percent worry that dairy products aren’t safe to eat and worry about giving them to their children.

Could the rise in veganism have had an effect? It’s important to look for calcium enriched alternatives if giving up dairy.

According to experts, calcium is essential for building strong bones as well as keeping the nerves and muscles working. It also plays a role in keeping the heart healthy.

The survey of 1,500 UK parents also found that 64 percent of parents admit their children are fussy eaters, with a huge 92 percent worried that they aren’t eating a balanced diet.

Half said their children won’t eat green leafy veg, with many more admitting they can’t get them to eat fish, tofu or nuts.

Only one in five parents knew that nuts are a rich source of calcium and just a quarter were aware of the fact that fish and green, leafy veg are too.

What do you think? Are modern day children too fussy? Comment below or join the conversation on our Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/BelleAboutTown.