calcium deficient?

my son was treated for rickets at the age of 14 mths. how do i know if he is having a problem with his bones now? i give him gummy vitamins daily, but i want to know if i shopuld give him calcium pills separately.

[Renee Radenberg]

For his age, 5, the recommended adequate intake of calcium is 800mg per day which amounts to 3 (8ozs) cups of milk / yogurt a day. Calcium is in all dairy products: cheese, yogurt, pudding, and ice cream. Other sources are: Orange juice fortified with calcium, Tofu, Almonds, Kale, Beans, Broccoli, and Eggs. It is important he drinks milk and decrease juice consummation to help increase calcium. Food is the best source of calcium because vitamin D also in the food and it is needed in the body along with calcium to build bones. If you are still concerned, you can have his blood tested to find out his levels to see if he needs supplementation of calcium. If your MD wants to use supplements, recommend it is to be calcium carbonate (it absorbs the best). Calcium supplement has to be taken at a meal and not on an empty stomach. The action of food allows for increased calcium absorption into the body.