Patient's question:
7-month-old baby sleeps with eyes not fully closed, always wakes up at night, frequently turns over, slightly sweaty on the back of the head, and has not visited the hospital yet. Currently taking gluconate calcium and A/D drops. The hair is yellow and thin, with some bald spots on the head. What kind of help is desired: Please ask if the baby is calcium deficient, what to eat, and how much?Doctor's answer:
From your description, the child's condition may be caused by calcium deficiency, or it could also be due to zinc deficiency. It's necessary to check for trace elements to clarify. For the digestion of trace elements, the general principle is to supplement what is lacking, so it's best to identify any deficiencies before supplementing. If the deficiency is in calcium, calcium gluconate preparations can be used for supplementation. If the deficiency is in zinc, zinc gluconate preparations can be used. As for the specific amount to supplement, it should be estimated based on the child's weight. The physiological daily requirement for calcium is usually 500 milligrams, but note that milk already contains a small amount of calcium. For zinc supplementation, the recommended dosage is 0.5-1 milligram per kilogram of body weight per day, taken in two divided doses. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, if the eyes don't close properly during sleep, it may indicate a deficiency in the spleen. In such cases, herbal formulas like Jianpi San (Strengthening the Spleen Powder) can be used for treatment.