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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Does calcium intake affect my obese daughter?

    Related Topic
    Obesity
    I know calcium is needed for strong bones but is the calcium that my child is consuming contributing to her obesity?
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    Priya Iyer

    Dietitian

    With over 16+ years experience in the field of nutrition & dietetics, Priya specialises in rehabilitation (covering neurology, burns, aged care & disability) and has … View Profile

    Adequate calcium intake is crucial in children (& adults) for the development of healthy bones. Calcium also plays a significant part in several other body functions (muscles, blood clotting etc). There is little epidemiological data linking calcium intake to having a protective effect on reducing adiposity/reducing fat synthesis. However, more population studies & clinical research is needed to make recommendations.
    Dairy – forms the main source of calcium in children & adolescents. Dairy intake not only provides calcium required for healthy bones & teeth, it also supplies other important nutrients like protein & vitamins. In Australia, it is recommended that children consume low fat dairy options from 2 years of age. This will help in reducing energy density of meals (calories) whilst ensuring good supply of other key nutrients that good old milk provides.
    Check out the recommended serve sizes of dairy for your child on this link below
    http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/_files_nhmrc/publications/attachments/n30.pdf

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    Daniela Manche

    Sports Dietitian

    Daniela Manche is a consultant sports dietitian for Sports Dietitians Australia (SDA), a professional organisation of dietitians specialising in the field of sports nutrition. For … View Profile

    Calcium intake (from dairy) is essential for strong bones and other health aspects (as Priya, Dietitian mentioned above) but new research findings suggest that dairy is unlikely to have a negative influence on weight. In fact, it is increasingly shown to have a positive influence on weight management, as it is a great source of protein (for increasing feelings of fullness and satiety throughout the day), is pleasant to eat as part of a meal and as a snack, and dairy calcium may in fact bind to fat in the bowel (which creates a soap and is unable to be digested) which means that less fat is absorbed and more fat is excreted. Furthermore, the RDI for calcium has increased to 1300mg/day for teenagers - this needs at least 4 serves of dairy per day to achieve this! 

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    Carlia Lozo

    Dietitian, Nutritionist

    Hey there, I'm Carlia, the heart and soul behind Welcome to Wellbeing, where I proudly serve as the Founder, an Intuitive Eating Counsellor, Credentialed Eating … View Profile

    Calcium is required for the normal development and maintenance of the skeleton as well as the proper functioning of the nerves, muscles and heart function. It is stored in the bones and teeth where it provides structure and strength. Low intakes of calcium have been associated with a condition of low bone density called osteoporosis which may result in brittle bones and fractures. From birth to puberty, bone mass increases sevenfold and increases a further threefold during the adolescent years. Bone mass then remains stable until about the age of 50 in men and menopause in women. During adolescence peak bone mass is developed around the same time as maximum height.
     
    Calcium is found predominantly in milk and milk-based products with smaller amounts found in fish with edible bones (e.g. sardines), green leafy vegetables, legumes (e.g. chick peas, kidney beans) and calcium-enriched soy milk/products.
     
    The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating suggests children  (4-11 years) to consume 2-3 serves and adolescents (12-18 years) to consume 3-5 serves of dairy each day.

    A serve of dairy equals:
    ·         250ml (one cup) of milk
    ·         Two slices (40g) of cheese
    ·         200g carton of yoghurt
    ·         250ml of custard
     
    For most people over the age of two year and over, the best choices are reduced fat dairy such as low fat milk, yogurt and cheese. However, reduced fat dairy should not be offered to children under the age of two years as they need the fat and vitamin A in full fat dairy for energy, development and growth.

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    Gabrielle Maston

    Dietitian, Exercise Physiologist, Nutritionist, Sports Dietitian

    A qualified Dietitian, Nutritionist, Exercise physiologist and Personal trainer. Gabrielle studied at the nutrition and sport and exercise science at the University of Sydney. During … View Profile

    The vitamin calcium, is usually found in dairy products. So I think what we're trying to get at here is that does dairy affect obesity or weight gain?

    Eating dairy products, especially if they're low in fat is quite nutritious for everyone, including people that just want to maintain or lose weight.

    Calcium is heart-protective and it increases bone strength at the same time. It is best to keep it in the diet. Due to the high protein levels in dairy products, it actually makes you feel full for longer. It has been found when people have higher intakes of dairy products they tend to lose weight more easily.

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    Arlene Normand

    Dietitian

    Arlene is a registered practising dietitian, with a private practice in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, and has built a strong business over the last … View Profile

    Dietary calcium supports the health of your nerves, muscles, heart and bones. Several factors influence intestinal calcium absorption, including your vitamin D level. Calcium will not make your daughter obese. If she is consuming a lot of full fat milk, high fat cheese, it will increase her calorie intake, which if she is not exercising will be laid down as fat. You have to look at your daughter’s total dietary intake and her activity level to determine why she is obese. I suggest you consult a dietitian to give you some guidelines to resolve the problem.

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    Kirsty Woods

    Exercise Physiologist

    Hi I’m Kirsty Woods,I would like to use my experience, expertise and passion to help you reach your weight, energy and health goalsI have been … View Profile

    There is new research indicating that Calcium intake may in fact promote weight loss. The mechanisms are uncertain however you may find this an interesting article: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/142198.php
     
    Studies are yet to be done on children but I suspect the principles would be similar. All the best!

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