A parent reports their 8-year-old drinks soda instead of milk and rarely eats vegetables. Which realistic dietary change would best address calcium adequacy while remaining acceptable to a picky child?

• A. Offer plain or flavored low-fat milk or fortified plant-based milk alternatives at meals, provide yogurt or cheese as snacks, and include calcium-fortified ready-to-eat cereals paired with fruit to improve acceptability and calcium intake.
• B. Remove all beverages except water and insist the child eat two cups of boiled broccoli at each meal, because strict elimination of preferred drinks forces compliance with calcium-rich vegetables.
• C. Encourage the child to fast overnight twice a week to improve calcium absorption efficiency and rely on one large weekly dairy serving to meet calcium needs, since infrequent large doses are equivalent to daily intake.
• D. Substitute soda with energy drinks that contain added vitamins and minerals; they are sweeter and more likely to be consumed while delivering necessary calcium in the long term.

Answer: (A)