Calcium and Phosphorus Needs of Preschool Children

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Abstract
Calcium, phosphorus and nitrogen balance studies with children of preschool age receiving diets composed of the same varieties of food but differing in amounts and therefore in the quantities of the inorganic substances contained therein have been considered from the standpoint of both height and weight. The vitamin D in all cases was controlled, and in so far as is known, adequate, thus ruling out any variation which might accrue from too little. Wide variations in both calcium and phosphorus retentions were obtained at similar ingestion levels. High retentions were interpreted as being due to previous depletion. The retention ratios of the nitrogen to phosphorus after the phosphorus needs for bone growth had been satisfied grouped according to the phosphorus retentions were found to increase as the phosphorus retentions decreased and were roughly proportional to the nutritional status of the child as indicated by the variation from the theoretical weight for height of the group considered. Within the limits of the study, the retentions were uninfluenced by the ingestions. The majority of the calcium retentions were found to be between 6 and 10 mg. per kilogram, irrespective of the ingestions. The results of the study indicate that the calcium needs of normal children of preschool age can be met by foods containing between 45 and 50 mg. of calcium per kilogram, or between 7 and 9 mg. per centimeter, provided sufficient vitamin D is allowed. Phosphorus needs, on the other hand, can be met by food containing between 60 and 70 mg. per kilogram, or between 9 and 11 mg. per centimeter.

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