Patient's question:
My son is 6 months old. Recently, he starts crying uncontrollably from 6 PM to 8 PM every evening, no matter how I try to comfort him. After a check-up, it was found that he is calcium-deficient, and we have been supplementing for over a month. Could you please advise on what the experts recommend? I am currently using Eel Calcium Oral Liquid. Is it suitable for a 6-month-old baby? If not, are there any better alternatives? Thank you!Doctor's answer:
Hello: It can be taken! 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 calcium deficiency 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 show obvious symptoms within two months after birth, such as night crying, excessive sweating, reduced appetite, susceptibility to respiratory infections, anemia, and baldness at the back of the head. Severe cases may lead to tetany in the hands and feet. In such cases, calcium supplements should be used for treatment.
(4) When taking calcium supplements, they should be combined with vitamin-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 should be noted that vitamin D should not be taken in excess, as it 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 affect absorption.