What is the recommended daily calcium intake for toddlers?

What is the recommended daily calcium intake for toddlers?

• A. 500 mg per day
• B. 1000 mg per day
• C. 200 mg per day
• D. 150 mg per day

Answer: (A)

Calcium supports bone mineralization during a toddler’s rapid growth, so providing an adequate daily amount is essential for strong bones and teeth. In many pediatric nutrition references and exam keys, about 500 mg per day is cited as a practical target for toddlers, reflecting what a typical diet can reasonably supply for this age group. A cup of milk offers around 300 mg of calcium, and other foods such as fortified beverages, yogurt, cheese, leafy greens, and calcium-set foods help reach or approach that 500 mg level. It’s also important to pair calcium intake with enough vitamin D to aid absorption, while avoiding excessive calcium that could interfere with iron absorption. The other options are either lower than what growth requires or higher than what is typically advised for toddlers.

Calcium supports bone mineralization during a toddler’s rapid growth, so providing an adequate daily amount is essential for strong bones and teeth. In many pediatric nutrition references and exam keys, about 500 mg per day is cited as a practical target for toddlers, reflecting what a typical diet can reasonably supply for this age group. A cup of milk offers around 300 mg of calcium, and other foods such as fortified beverages, yogurt, cheese, leafy greens, and calcium-set foods help reach or approach that 500 mg level. It’s also important to pair calcium intake with enough vitamin D to aid absorption, while avoiding excessive calcium that could interfere with iron absorption. The other options are either lower than what growth requires or higher than what is typically advised for toddlers.