Mineral and Electrolyte Management - Calcium and Phosphorus

Nancy McDaniel M.D.

Calcium - Calcium is a mineral that makes bones and teeth strong. Steroid medications decrease calcium absorption. Your child needs to eat plenty of foods high in calcium. A general guideline is that four high calcium foods be chosen every day. If your child is unable to do this, a calcium supplement may be needed:

High Calcium Foods (that are low in saturated fat)

• Dairy Foods
  • skim or lowfat milk
  • cheeses
  • yogurt
  • ice milk
  • pudding
  • low fat cottage cheese
• Vegetables
  • broccoli
  • collards
  • mustard greens
  • spinach
  • turnip greens
• Seafood
  • oysters
  • salmon
  • sardines
• Fruit
  • apricots
  • dried dates
  • rhubarb
• Nuts/Other
  • almonds
  • peanuts
  • tofu
  • farina

Phosphorus - Phosphorus is another mineral found in bones which may get low in the blood from the medications. It is important to also eat foods high in phosphorus.

High Phosphorus Foods (that are low in saturated fat)

• Dairy Foods
  • skim or lowfat milk
  • cheeses
  • yogurt
• Vegetables
  • dried beans
  • peas
  • artichokes
  • broccoli
  • brussel sprouts
  • peas
  • sweet potatoes
  • asparagus
  • corn
  • cauliflower
  • bean sprouts
  • greens
  • okra
  • onions
  • squash
  • tomato
• Breads/Starches
  • bran and whole grains
  • potatoes
  • cereals: Product 19, Puffed Wheat, Special K, Rice Chex
• Fruits
  • raisins
  • prunes
  • dates

Note than many high phosphorus foods are also high in potassium. If your child's potassium is high, the above foods will need to be limited and your child may need to take a phosphorus supplement.