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Wednesday, 31 July 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
According to Dr. Chamilka Jayasinghe, Senior Lecturer in Paediatrics Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, calcium is essential for humans, as it is a major material used in the mineralisation of bone and teeth and is also important for critical metabolic functions of the body.
“The blood calcium is tightly regulated and does not fluctuate with changes in dietary intake. Bone is the reservoir for, and source of calcium used to maintain constant concentrations of calcium in blood, muscle, and body fluids. 99% of the body’s calcium supply is stored in the bones and teeth where it supports their structure and function. An increase in calcium requirement is seen in periods of growth in children and adolescents, as well as in aging adults, particularly among postmenopausal women.”
Dr. Jayasinghe went on to say that hypocalcemia (low blood calcium) results primarily from medical problems or treatments and not from poor dietary intake. “Symptoms of hypocalcemia include numbness and tingling in the fingers, muscle cramps, convulsions, lethargy, poor appetite, and abnormal heart rhythms. If left untreated, calcium deficiency leads to death. Over the long term, inadequate calcium intake causes osteopenia (poor bone mineralisation), osteoporosis and an increased risk of bone fractures.”
Viswakumaran went on to say that most of us don’t realize that bones undergo continuous remodelling, especially during peak growth periods in children and adolescents. “The skeletal system is essential for human function for a variety of reasons. First the muscles are attached to the bones and while the muscles produce movement, the skeletal system is their foundation for doing so. Without a strong skeletal system the body cannot move. Additionally strong bones provide protection for delicate internal organs such as the brain, lungs, heart, and reproductive organs. In short, a strong skeleton is crucial for life and health,” said Viswakumaran.
He went on to elaborate on the outcomes of unhealthy dietary choices during early childhood which are reflected later in life in the form of low bone mineral density, or osteoporosis. “To fully absorb the benefits of calcium, it must be consumed together with other nutrients such as vitamin D. Vitamin D provides support to absorb and use calcium in the bones.”
It is common knowledge that dairy products and leafy green vegetables are calcium-fortified, but most children are not too keen on consuming them. According to the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI), growing children need 800-1,000mg of calcium, however most sources of calcium do not meet this requirement. Children require different amounts of calcium at different ages, according to the Institute of medicine, USA.
Cal D Chewz by Mega Lifesciences is a natural milk-based chocolaty calcium supplement, enriched with Vitamin D3 for your growing children in the age group of six to 12 years. The recommended dosage of Cal D Chewz is one to two a day.
Each soft chew of Cal D Chewz contains 400mg of elemental calcium, the equivalent to over a glass of milk. Cal D Chewz is a natural milk minerals complex enriched with Vitamin D3, vital for calcium absorption.
Cal D Chewz Brand Manager Shalutha Perera said that growing children need all the help they can get for their growth and development and Cal D Chewz is an essential part of a balanced diet. Cal D Chewz is brought to you by Mega Lifesciences and is manufactured by Luigi Zaini S.P.A., Milano, Italy.
Cal D Chewz is available in all leading supermarkets and pharmacies and is exclusively distributed by A Baur & Company Ltd., a reputed Swiss company in operation since 1897.
