Optimum nutrition is crucial for physiological and cognitive development, however evidence shows that diet quality in children has declined. Processed foods, skipping meals and following fad diets may cause children to fail in meeting nutritional requirements necessary for growth and development.
Essential vitamins and minerals cannot be synthesised by the body, so a child must obtain them in adequate amounts from food. Poor intake of nutrients and energy could have detrimental effects on health, and contribute to the onset of low self-esteem, dental issues and decreased academic performance.
Epidemiological data estimates that one in five children are expected to develop some kind of mental health issue before adulthood, with half of adult mental health problems developing in childhood and teenage years. This highlights the importance of early prevention.
An Australian study examining 7114 adolescents aged 10-14 years, demonstrated that teenagers on a healthy diet were less likely to report symptoms of depression. The association exists above the influence of family, socioeconomic and other factors.
1. Calcium
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and is key for skeletal development, bone health and teeth, providing hard tissue with its strength. Due to its importance for growth, requirements are higher in childhood, adolescence, pregnancy and lactation.
Calcium is also necessary for learning, mental capacity, the immune system, nerve impulse transmissions and contracting muscles.
Ensuring intake of adequate calcium helps minimise risk of fractures, osteopenia and osteoporosis. Research connected calcium intake with prevention of colon cancer, insulin resistance, kidney stones, hypertension and obesity.
Absorption of calcium from food is only 20-40 per cent, and bioavailability is hindered in foods with phytic and oxalic acids, such as rhubarb, spinach, chard and some cereals.
Factors that increase Calcium bioavailability:
- Vitamin D
- Fat
- Proteins
- Vitamin C
Factors increasing demand for Calcium:
- Bone fractures
- Diarrhoea
- Diabetes
- Depression
- High sugar diets
- Lack of exercise
- Magnesium deficiency
Calcium is involved in the following functions:
- Activates insulin
- Blood clotting
- Bone and tooth formation
- Muscle contraction
- Nerve transmission
- Cellular functions
- Heart rhythm regulation
Food Sources:
- Almonds
- Broccoli
- Buckwheat
- Dairy products
- Egg yolk
- Green leafy vegetables
- Sardines
- Molasses
- Soybeans
- Turnips
2. Magnesium
Cells die without sufficient Magnesium, and it is required for over 300 biochemical processes in the body. Approximately 99% of total body magnesium is found in the bone, muscles and soft tissue, fifty to sixty percent residing in the bone. Magnesium is necessary for strong bones, healthy immune function, muscular and neurological function, blood glucose regulation and energy.
Causes of Magnesium Deficiency in Children:
- Requirements are higher due to growth and development.
- Inadequate intake.
- Cooking methods can result in magnesium loss.
- Diets high in salt, sugar and soft drinks.
- Reduced magnesium absorption due to low protein diet, vitamin D deficiency or medications.
- Active children may have a higher requirement due to loss through sweat.
- A child who is experiencing prolonged diarrhoea or vomiting.
- Prolonged stress, worry or anxiety.
Signs your child may need more Magnesium:
- Twitching muscles
- Muscle spasms
- Anxiety
- Difficulty sleeping
- Restlessness
- Difficulty maintaining attention
- Noise sensitivity
- Teeth grinding
- Constipation
- Muscle weakness
- Lethargy
Food Sources:
- Almonds
- Barley
- Cashews
- Cocoa
- Cod
- Eggs
- Figs
- Green leafy vegetables
- Kelp
- Wholegrains
- Legumes
- Molasses
- Parsnips
Inadequate magnesium can contribute to poor mood and influence anxiety. Both calcium and magnesium are important for mood modulation, cognition and brain function.
Write a list of your favourite calcium and magnesium foods, and each week ask your child to choose a new food to incorporate into your meals.
