This article is an adaptation of an article by Dr Jennifer Barham-Floreani.
Many parents whose child may react to dairy products due to a lactose or casein intolerance have concerns that their child is not consuming enough calcium rich foods.
Calcium is indeed essential for bones and teeth—it is also required by the heart and other muscles for contraction and blood clotting, and is needed for a healthy and efficient nervous system.
Contrary to advertising, dairy milk may not necessarily be the best source of absorbable calcium.
There are many foods that are high in “absorbable calcium”. These foods help us to ensure our family has a high calcium intake . Which foods are relatively high in absorbable calcium? Here are some suggestions to help you provide a greater range of calcium rich foods:
- Brown rice
- Cabbage, especially the outer leaves
- Carob powder
- Cheese, especially parmesan, Swiss and cheddar
- Egg yolk
- Figs
- Green leafy vegetables (especially parsley, kale, broccoli and spinach)
- Hummus
- Milk, cheese and yoghurt from goats and sheep
- Molasses
- Nuts, especially almond and brazil
- Sea vegetables (nori, hijiki, wakame, kelp and kombu)
- Sesame seeds
- Tea, especially dandelion and chamomile
- Tinned fish, especially salmon, sardines and mackerel, all with bones
- Tofu
Dr Jennifer Barham-Floreani
B.App.Clin.Sci, B.Chiropractic