Question
My child was not growing much until they were 8 years old. After a year of calcium supplementation, they have grown significantly. I don’t want to keep giving them calcium tablets, as I’m worried about side effects. I’m wondering if it’s better to take one tablet in the evening or in the morning.
Answer
According to expert advice, the best time to supplement calcium during the day is after dinner or before bedtime. This is because calcium is most easily absorbed in the evening, so it is generally recommended to take calcium supplements after having dinner. However, calcium supplementation is not just about taking tablets; the body needs enough sodium to help with calcium absorption, but excessive intake of table salt (sodium chloride) may lead to calcium loss. Therefore, consume salt in moderation (no more than 5 grams per day), and also eat more magnesium-rich foods such as meats, seafood, and vegetables, which can effectively promote calcium absorption. In addition, appropriate physical activity and good sleep quality also contribute to children’s growth in height. In daily diet, it’s important to consume foods rich in protein and amino acids, such as flour, beans, shrimp, eggs, and milk, as these all have a positive effect on children’s height growth.