Patient's question:
Detailed medical condition and consultation purpose: The child is calcium-deficient and has experienced diarrhea (significant increase in bowel movement frequency) after taking Zinc-Calcium Special Oral Liquid.Why does the child still have diarrhea symptoms even when the mother takes calcium supplements and breastfeeds?
Please help me: I want to know how to supplement calcium for the infant in a safe and effective way.
Previous diagnosis, treatment history, and outcomes: Calcium deficiency
Doctor's answer:
Hello, how to supplement calcium for children?Children are in the period of growth and development, and their calcium needs are greater than those of adults. Therefore, it is important to supplement calcium in a timely manner to prevent calcium deficiency. When it comes to proper calcium supplementation, the following points should be noted.
(1) Whether or not a child is deficient in calcium should be determined by a doctor, not self-diagnosed.
(2) Healthy children with normal diets and well-balanced meals do not need additional calcium supplements.
(3) Calcium deficiency in children can be clearly observed within the first two months of birth. Symptoms may include night crying, excessive sweating, reduced appetite, increased susceptibility to respiratory infections, anemia, and baldness at the back of the head. In severe cases, it may lead to tetany in the hands and feet. In such situations, calcium supplements should be used for treatment.
(4) When taking calcium supplements, they should be combined with vitamin D-containing medications, such as cod liver oil, as they can promote calcium and phosphorus absorption, reduce urinary phosphorus excretion, and increase blood citrate levels. Citrate combines with calcium to form high-concentration complexes, which are beneficial for the calcification of new bones. However, it is important to note that vitamin D should not be taken in excess, as this may lead to persistent hypercalcemia, followed by calcium salt deposition in various organs and tissues, impairing their function. In severe cases, it may affect intellectual development.
(5) During calcium supplementation, children should avoid eating spinach and dairy products, as oxalates in spinach can form calcium oxalate precipitates. Additionally, taking calcium supplements with dairy products may cause curdling, both of which can hinder absorption.