This argument is not valid. Cow's milk contains 1,200 milligrams of calcium per quart compared to human milk which has only 300 milligrams. However, infants receiving human milk actually absorb more calcium into their bodies, due to the fact that cow's milk is so rich in calcium. The more studies that are done, the less clear it becomes just how much calcium humans really need. It is apparent that humans can adjust to variations in the amount of calcium in their diet.
People often forget that vegetables and other foods contain calcium.
Fortunately, there are a variety of foods rich in the mineral, because everybody needs some of it in their diet. For example, one cup of turnips, one cup of cooked collards, four ounces of flour and three ounces of sardines all provide more than 250 milligrams of calcium. One cup of cooked rhubarb, one cup of oysters, or a four-ounce serving of salmon contain more than 200 milligrams of calcium. In addition, kidney beans, broccoli, almonds, soybeans, and a variety of fish are good sources of calcium. Since there are many alternatives to milk and dairy products, you'll be doing your pediatric patients a great service by eliminating them from their diet.