Kraft fortify with calcium

19/05/05 Calcium is a critical bone-building nutrient, yet half of all children under age nine do not get enough. In fact, calcium shortages among children has become a public health priority -- recently cited in the Surgeon's General's Report on Bone Health and Osteoporosis and U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Kraft is making it easier for parents to kick up the calcium in their kids' diet by doubling the calcium in a traditional favorite -- Kraft Macaroni & Cheese.

Each 1-cup serving of Kraft Macaroni & Cheese is an excellent source of calcium and a good source of protein, iron and five other important nutrients -- niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, folic acid and phosphorus. Additionally, when prepared according to the "Light Preparation" instructions using fat-free milk and 1 tablespoon of spread, each serving is 60 percent lower in fat and 20 percent lower in calories than the classic preparation.

The first-ever Surgeon General's Report on Bone Health and Osteoporosis estimates that 10 million Americans have osteoporosis, and 34 million are at risk of developing this debilitating bone disease. The report also predicts that the incidence of osteoporosis will reach its highest number in history if the current trend continues. The Surgeon General issued a call-to- action for kids to get more calcium, vitamin D and physical activity early on to keep their bones strong for lifetime.

Add calcium into mealtime and in-between snacks in honor of National Osteoporosis Awareness & Prevention Month this month and throughout the year.

Kraft says it has long been a leader in developing products that offer a range of alternatives. Kraft Macaroni & Cheese now with double the calcium is part of Kraft's commitment to providing people with products that meet their taste and nutrition needs.