Calcium is one of the most common and the most important minerals in the human body. Calcium is particularly important for children because it enables the smooth development and growth of children, affects development, structure and strength of bones and teeth and on muscle function. In addition, calcium is important for the regulation of acid-base balance, the secretion of hormones and the transmission of information through the nervous system.
During the period of growth, the body's need for calcium is greater than in adulthood, so the body also absorbs it to a greater extent. In children, 50-60% of all calcium is absorbed, while in an adult, calcium absorption is only 10%.
We cannot create calcium ourselves, so it is important to get enough of it every day consumed with food.
Research in Slovenia has shown that as many as 79% of preschool children do not reach the recommended daily intake of calcium.1 They are most often exposed to a deficiency girls in the period of growth. Optimum calcium intake is especially important for girls who are still growing, as this reduces the risk of developing osteoporosis. The most important factor for the development of osteoporosis is bone mineral density in youth.
Reference: NIJZ (2020) Reference values for energy intake
The body fights calcium deficiency by drawing calcium from the bones to replace some of the calcium we should get from our daily diet. Calcium constantly passes from the bones into the blood, but if we don't have enough of it, the bone density of the bones becomes thinner. Calcium deficiency is not only caused by insufficient daily intake, but also by inefficient intestinal absorption. Calcium deficiency can also occur due to vitamin D deficiency.
Even more often than calcium, children are deficient in magnesium. Although we understand that magnesium needs to be added during increased sports activity due to more intensive loss of electrolytes, it is especially important for children because of its role in the functioning of calcium. Magnesium maintains calcium solubility and helps in its transfer across cell membranes and ensures that it is deposited in bone and not in soft tissues.
Magnesium participates in hundreds of enzyme systems involved in protein synthesis and muscle, heart and bone function. More than half of the magnesium in the body is found in the bones. The mineral magnesium therefore contributes significantly to preservation healthy bones and teeth, to the reduction of fatigue and exhaustion and to normal psychological functioning.
Magnesium and vitamin D are cofactors that help the body absorb and use calcium efficiently. Magnesium converts vitamin D into its active form, so that it can helps in the absorption of calcium in the intestines . Magnesium also stimulates the hormone calcitonin, which maintains bone structure and draws calcium from the blood and soft tissues back into the bones, reducing the likelihood of osteoporosis, arthritis, heart attack, and kidney stones.
Vitamin D has two important functions in children. First, it contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system. Secondly, vitamin D also contributes to normal blood calcium levels. The latter function is especially important for children. Good absorption of calcium enables normal development and bone formation. "According to Slovenian studies, preschool children should achieve approximately 21 percent of the recommended daily intake," they say on Institute of Nutrition . Vitamin D therefore allows calcium to be better absorbed from the intestines. Its action is much better in combination with other vitamins and minerals (eg magnesium) than if we consume calcium separately. Without vitamin D, only 10-15% of calcium is absorbed.
If vitamin D increases the absorption of calcium from the intestines, vitamin K2 ensures that effectively distributes calcium in the bones. It does this by activating osteocalcin, which integrates calcium into bones, while also activating certain proteins that bind excess calcium. This prevents the deposition of calcium in soft tissues such as arteries. This, in turn, prevents any contribution to atherosclerosis, which leads to cardiovascular disease, as well as arthritis and kidney stones.
Vitamin C plays a general and important role in the functioning of the immune system. It also affects the reduction of fatigue and exhaustion in children, as it plays a role in protecting cells from oxidative stress.
Vitamin A is important for vision. Children's eyes are at greater risk than adult eyes because they have a wider pupil and less pigment. Children's eye lenses up to the age of 12 do not filter harmful ultraviolet rays. Especially during the school year, children put additional strain on their eyes if they do not maintain a sufficiently large distance to the book and notebooks while reading. It often happens that they also watch the computer and television closer than is recommended. The important role of vitamin A is particularly evident in the maintenance of vision and iron metabolism, and it also contributes to the functioning of the immune system.
Although there are many foods rich in vitamin E, it is not necessary that we have reached the recommended daily intake. Vitamin E deficiency is also very common in children. Vitamin E has the role of an antioxidant, that is protects cells from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress poses a risk for the development of various diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases.
They are also important for children B complex vitamins, especially vitamin B12, B6, folic and pantothenic acid, niacin, rioflavin and thiamin. B vitamins are important for energy, metabolism and nervous system:
- B12 and B6 help in the formation of red blood cells.
- Riboflavin plays a role in protecting cells from oxidative stress.
- Niacin contributes to the maintenance of healthy mucous membranes.
Sources used
1 - Hlastan Ribič C., Pokorn D., Polipnik R., Kulnik D. Nutritional intake of Slovenian preschool children. Slovenian Pediatrics 2006; 13: 25-31.
For your little ones, we have developed a new, fresh and tasty drink that unites all important vitamins and minerals. Get to know Junglemix junior, which is recommended for children older than three years for:
- strong bones
- teeth
- muscles
- nerves
- immune system
We recommend Junglemix junior because:
- contains bioavailable minerals calcium and magnesium,
- calcium and magnesium are in an optimal ratio of 2:1 for efficient absorption,
- contains vitamins D3 and K2, which work together to help better calcium absorption,
- it is enriched with additional 10 vitamins for holistic functioning,
- it tastes great like an orange,
- is without artificial flavors, colors and sweeteners
- and is packaged in attractive interactive packaging.
Children need to feel good optimal combination of active ingredients and some creative inspiration. The powdered drink is a combination of the excellent taste of lemon and orange, which will help your budding little ones with healthy development and at the same time play with their imagination.
»We discover the world through the game!«
Junglemix junior it is not only full of minerals and vitamins, but also bursting with imagination, with which the youngest discover the tropical rainforest and its inhabitants. Packaging Junglemix junior it is interactive and useful even after you have consumed its content.
Each bag represents one animal, with which little ones can learn to recognize the sounds of the jungle, play finger games, learn letters or simply walk them through their own jungle. The inside of the box can be used as a play set with a playful maze in the form of a coloring book, with which children can complete a unique challenge.
