Calcium content of foods - what makes up 350mg?

[spewgloriousspew]

Hello,

First off, could anyone confirm how much calcium a 1-3 year old should be having? Some sources say 350mg/day, but have just read another that says it should be more like 700mg/day. Anyone know?

Secondly, since our boy isn't really drinking much milk these days, I just want to make sure he's getting enough from his diet.

He has:

-full fat milk on cereal every morning (prob around 150ml, but I don't measure it)

• cheese or soft cheese (full fat) in some form every day
• natural yoghurt every day (loads of it, about 3 times the amount in a petit filous pot)

• he might drink up to 100ml full fat milk a day if I'm very lucky. But today has had none.

• other milky puddings (rice pudding, semolina, custard etc) about four times/week

So, could someone give me a breakdown of what makes up the daily recommended amounts? I've tried searching on the web, but can't really find what I'm looking for (probably not using the right search terms).

Thanks!

I also bake his snacks with milk (sugar free muffins etc).

3 portions of dairy foods are advised per day and in the UK the recommended amount of calcium for children aged 1-3years is 350mg. (different countries have different recommendations. There are also different levels for different ages).

This link has some useful info

This pdf file gives calcium contents of various foods - hope it works!

Sardines are a good source of calcium and the babyledweaning website has a great recipe for broccolli and cheese muffins. Sorry, my 'puter doesn't seem to want to do links at the moment.

My children have had dairy intollerance etc, and I have found the best source is hovis best of both bread. Each medium slice has 191mg (thick sliced has more), so two slices is more or less enough for my children, plus the odd bit of dietary calcium from cheese (which they now eat), broccoli, baked beans etc. It is a really easy switch to make and is often on 2 for 2 pound offers. 350mg sounds about the figure quoted by dietician, but she said up to 3 times that amount is fine too. It sounds as if he is probably getting enough, but hovis best of both (I don't work for them, honest!) would ensure it.

thanks all, those links are useful .

JiltedJohnsJulie, I've actually made that recipe for the muffins. Although he flat out refused them today, despite eating them happily before!

That's kids for you, they'll wolf it down one day and then refuse it the next time you offer it. Drives you nuts sometimes doesn't it .