Ddrops, Kids Liquid Algae Calcium with Magnesium, Natural Coconut Flavour, 30 Packets

Childhood and the teenage years are when the skeleton is built. Bones grow in length and density fastest during these years, and most of a person's lifetime peak bone mass is laid down before the end of adolescence. Health Canada's recommended calcium intake climbs from 700 mg a day for toddlers to 1,000 mg for ages 4 to 8 and 1,300 mg for ages 9 to 18. Many children fall short, especially those who eat little dairy. Calcium also works best alongside the right co-nutrients. Vitamin D helps absorb it, vitamin K2 helps place it in bone, and magnesium and zinc take part in the bone-building process itself.

The calcium in this formula comes from two sources. The first is Lithothamnion corallioides, a marine red alga that draws minerals from seawater as it grows and builds them into its calcified structure. It is sustainably harvested from the North Atlantic seabed and used whole. Because it is whole seaweed, it provides calcium in its natural mineral matrix alongside magnesium. The second source is calcium citrate, a well-absorbed form that dissolves readily and does not depend on high stomach acid. Each packet delivers 200.6 mg of elemental calcium.

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is converted in the body to active calcitriol, which switches on calcium transport proteins in the intestinal wall. This increases how much calcium and phosphorus the gut absorbs from food and from the supplement. Without enough vitamin D, only a small fraction of dietary calcium is absorbed.

Vitamin K2 (menaquinone-7) comes from fermented chickpea natto. K2 activates osteocalcin, a protein made by the bone-forming cells (osteoblasts). It does this by adding carboxyl groups to the protein, which lets osteocalcin bind calcium and build it into the bone matrix. The MK-7 form stays in the bloodstream longer than other forms of vitamin K, so it provides steady support.

Magnesium (as magnesium citrate) is the quiet partner of calcium. About 60% of the body's magnesium is stored in bone, where it forms part of the mineral crystal. Magnesium is also needed by the enzymes that convert vitamin D into its active form and for normal parathyroid hormone function, both of which control calcium balance. In muscle, calcium triggers contraction and magnesium supports relaxation, which is why the two together support normal muscle function in active kids.

Zinc (as zinc citrate) is a cofactor for alkaline phosphatase, the enzyme osteoblasts use to mineralise new bone. It is also essential for normal cell division and growth in children, and it plays a key role in normal immune function.

Together, these five nutrients cover every step of bone building: supply (calcium and magnesium), absorption (vitamin D3), placement into bone (vitamin K2) and mineralisation (zinc and magnesium). The liquid format needs no chewing or swallowing tablets. The natural coconut flavour contains no sugar, sucralose or aspartame, and each sealed 10 mL packet is a single, pre-measured dose.

• Plant-based calcium from sustainably harvested marine red algae
• 5 bone-building nutrients in one packet: calcium, magnesium, zinc, D3 and K2
• Natural coconut flavour, sugar-free
• Free from colours, sucralose, aspartame, preservatives, GMOs and common allergens
• Convenient on-the-go packets, no measuring needed