Patient's question:
Doctor:Hello!
My child is now two months old. They have decreased appetite, sleep very little, and bald spots on the head. This should be a sign of calcium deficiency, right? But I don’t know which type of calcium is best to use. Could you please guide me?
Thank you!
Doctor's answer:
Hello, calcium deficiency can cause the symptoms mentioned above. Blood tests can be performed to help with diagnosis.Children are in a period of growth and development, requiring a larger amount of calcium compared to adults. Therefore, it is important to supplement calcium promptly to prevent deficiency. When it comes to proper calcium supplementation, the following points should be noted.
(1) Whether calcium deficiency exists 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 manifest within the first two months of life. Symptoms include night crying, excessive sweating, reduced appetite, increased susceptibility to respiratory infections, anemia, and baldness at the back of the head. In severe cases, seizures may occur. Calcium supplements should be used for treatment at this stage.
(4) When taking calcium supplements, they should be combined with vitamin D-containing medications, such as cod liver oil, as they promote calcium and phosphorus absorption, reduce urinary phosphorus excretion, and increase blood citrate levels. Citrate binds with calcium to form high-concentration complexes, which are beneficial for bone calcification. 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 spinach and dairy products. Spinach contains oxalates that easily form calcium oxalate precipitates, while calcium supplements taken with dairy products may cause curdling, both of which hinder absorption.