Contact CBJ

The Calcium and Vitamin D Crisis in Kids and How to Fix It

By Dale Weinbaum, California Business Journal

Kids need calcium and vitamin D to grow strong bones, move their muscles, and avoid weak, brittle bones later in life. Calcium is the main building block of bones and teeth, while vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium the right way. Without enough of both, kids can end up with slow growth, weak bones, and a higher risk of fractures (NIAMS, n.d.).

The Reality: A Lot of Kids Are Missing Out

The numbers are worse than you might think. A study reveals that about 9% of kids in the U.S.—that’s around 7.6 million—are straight-up deficient in vitamin D. Another 61% (50.8 million) don’t have enough to meet recommended levels. That’s a huge chunk of the population walking around with weaker bones than they should have.

When it comes to calcium, the numbers are also concerning. Research indicates that more than 40% of the U.S. population doesn’t meet the calcium requirement from diet alone.

Calcium absorption also changes with age. Babies and toddlers absorb up to 60% of the calcium they eat. By adulthood, that drops to 15-20%, making it even more important for kids to stock up early.

How Much Calcium and Vitamin D Do Kids Need?

Here’s what experts say kids should be getting every day:

Calcium

Babies 0-6 months: 200 mg
Babies 6-12 months: 260 mg
Kids 1-3 years: 700 mg
Kids 4-8 years: 1,000 mg
Kids 9-18 years: 1,300 mg

Vitamin D

All kids (and adults): 15 mcg (600 IU)

Why Are So Many Kids Deficient?

Many parents miss to see that many kids in the U.S. are missing out on calcium and vitamin D. From diet choices to lifestyle habits, several factors are making it harder for kids to get the nutrients their bones need.

Skipping Dairy: Milk, cheese, and yogurt are top sources of calcium, but a lot of kids avoid them because of lactose intolerance, picky eating, or diet choices.
Not Enough Sunlight: The body makes vitamin D when the skin gets sunlight, but modern kids are indoors a lot. Sunscreen, colder climates, and too much screen time make this worse (Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation, n.d.).
Poor Diet Choices: Many processed foods don’t have enough calcium or vitamin D, and plant-based diets require careful planning to meet daily needs.
Medical Conditions: Disorders like celiac disease and Crohn’s can block nutrient absorption, making it harder to get enough calcium and vitamin D from food alone.

What Happens If Kids Don’t Get Enough?

If kids don’t get enough calcium and vitamin D, their bones would potentially suffer. Here’s what to watch for in particular:

More Broken Bones: Weak bones mean more fractures, even from small falls.
Slow Growth: A lack of calcium and vitamin D can lead to kids being shorter than expected.
Muscle Cramps and Weakness: These nutrients help muscles work properly. Without them, kids may get painful cramps or weak muscles.
Dental Problems: Poor calcium intake leads to weak enamel, cavities, and tooth decay.
Severe Deficiency (Rickets): In extreme cases, vitamin D deficiency causes rickets, a disease where bones soften and become deformed.

How to Fix It

The good news? It’s not hard to boost calcium and vitamin D levels.

Eat More Calcium-Rich Foods: Milk, yogurt, cheese, leafy greens, tofu, and fish with bones (like canned salmon and sardines) are great sources (NIH, n.d.).
Vitamin D-Rich Foods: Fortified milk, breakfast cereals, orange juice, and margarine all have added vitamin D (NIAMS, n.d.).
Encourage Safe Sun Exposure: Just 10-15 minutes of sunlight a day can help boost vitamin D production (Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation, n.d.).
Consider Supplements When Necessary: If it’s been determined that diet and sunlight aren’t enough to meet your kids’ calcium and vitamin D needs, talk to a pediatrician about supplements to fill the gaps (NIAMS, n.d.).

TruHeight Bone Growth Gummies: A Fun and Effective Solution

For families looking for an easy and kid-friendly way to support bone health, TruHeight Kids Bone Growth Gummies provide a delicious, hassle-free option.

TruHeight’s Bone Growth Gummies contain a blend of calcium, Vitamin D3, Vitamin K2, phosphorus, magnesium, and lutein—all crucial for strong bones, proper growth, and overall skeletal health.

Unlike traditional pills or chalky chewables, these gummies make it easy for children to get the nutrients they need in a form they enjoy. With a carefully balanced formula and a delicious strawberry flavor that kids love, TruHeight’s Bone Growth Gummies help ensure that growing kids have the foundation for lifelong bone strength and development without the struggle of dietary gaps or sun exposure limitations.*

Always consult a doctor before taking any supplements to make sure your child takes them safely.

The Bottom Line

Kids need calcium and vitamin D for strong, healthy bones. Many aren’t getting enough, which puts them at risk for weak bones, fractures, and other health issues down the road. Parents can help by making smart food choices, encouraging outdoor play, and supplementing when needed. A little effort now means stronger bones for life!

References

Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation. (n.d.). Calcium & vitamin D: Supplement facts. Retrieved from https://www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org/calcium-vitamin-d-supplement-facts/
Kumar J, Muntner P, Kaskel FJ, Hailpern SM, Melamed ML. Prevalence and associations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency in US children: NHANES 2001-2004. Pediatrics. 2009. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3749840.
Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University. (n.d.). Micronutrient Inadequacies in the US Population: an Overview. Retrieved from https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/micronutrient-inadequacies/overview
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). (n.d.). Kids and their bones. Retrieved from https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/kids-and-their-bones
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. (n.d.). Calcium and vitamin D: Important for bone health. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved from https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/calcium-and-vitamin-d-important-bone-health
National Institutes of Health (NIH). (n.d.). Vitamin D – Health professional fact sheet. Retrieved from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/.