Determine Calcium requirements of school children and adolescents?

Calcium requirements in children and adolescents can be calculated on the basis of Calcium accretion during growth. In absence of definite data on Indian children and the rate of absorption, ICMR recommended 400 mg (1-9 y); 600 mg (10-15y) and 500 mg (16-l8y). These figures are adopted from FAOIWHO. Calcium accretion in growth period of 18-20 years suggests approximately 150 mg is laid per day. This deposition is not uniform during the growth period and likely to be greater in early childhood and adolescence. In a research study, 10-11 years old Indian children indicated positive balance of 120 mg/d on 350 mg intake.

Good physical activity, adequate calcium intake and Ca: P ratio of 1:l is recornmended for adequate bone mass. Western data suggests calcium requirement of 1-2 g/d for optimal skeletal mass and prevention of osteoporosis in later years. FAO/WHO 2004 Expert Consultation on the Human Vitamin and Mineral Requirements recommends 700 mg for children 7-9 years and 1300 mg for 10-18 years. Refer Table 9.4 in Unit 9 for FAOIWHO 2004 calcium requirements.