Calcium Deficiency Treatment in Children
Calcium deficiency is not uncommon in children. The daily calcium intake declines with age, particularly during puberty (11-17 years) and after menopause.
When dietary sources are insufficient or when other factors interfere with its absorption, the bones act to maintain normal blood levels. Thus bone resorption increases, leading to bone loss. This leads to demineralization of these bones, which causes rickets (also known as osteomalacia).
Rickets is a disease that results from inadequate vitamin D and calcium levels. Rickets can cause problems with bone growth in children. As a result, the bones may become soft and bend, leading to skeletal deformities. In severe cases, rickets can lead to fractures and even death.
There are many ways to prevent and treat rickets. Treatment usually includes increasing the child’s intake of vitamin D and calcium. Treatment may also involve taking supplements or increasing exposure to sunlight, which helps the body produce vitamin D.
Physical therapy may also be recommended to help improve bone strength. In addition, surgery may occasionally be necessary to correct bone deformities caused by rickets.
Calcium deficiency is a problem in adults, but it can also occur during growth and development in children. The lack of calcium can cause bones to be weak, leading to deformities, fractures, and other health problems. Treatment for calcium deficiency usually includes increasing the child’s calcium and vitamin D intake and taking supplements if needed.
Physical therapy may also be recommended to help improve bone strength. Surgery may occasionally be necessary to correct bone deformities caused by the lack of calcium. Prevention is always better than cure, so make sure that your child gets enough calcium through their diet to avoid any health complications associated with this deficiency.
Best calcium syrup for the child:
There are many different types of calcium syrups available in the market. It cannot be obvious to decide which one is the best for your child. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a calcium syrup:
1. The type of calcium syrup:
There are three main types of calcium syrups: organic, plant-based, and mineral. Organic and plant-based syrups are made from natural ingredients, while mineral syrups contain inorganic minerals. Choose a calcium syrup compatible with your child’s dietary preferences and health needs.
2. The dosage amount:
Most calcium syrups come with a dosage recommendation printed on the label. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions carefully to avoid overdosing. In most cases, dosage recommendations vary according to a child’s age and weight.
3. Calcium content:
Calcium syrups often come with additional ingredients or supplements, such as vitamin D or magnesium. Be sure to choose a calcium syrup that contains the correct amount of calcium per serving size in addition to any other vitamins, minerals, or additives you wish your child to consume during supplementation. Calcium-only supplements typically have about 5% elemental calcium content by weight., while some plant-based calcium syrups have less than 1%.
These are just suggestions for parents when choosing a calcium syrup for their children. Parents need to consult with a pediatrician before starting their children on supplementation.
Calcium is an essential nutrient that helps children develop strong bones and teeth. Without proper calcium intake, a child’s bones may not grow to their full potential, leading to weak bones later in life. For this reason, parents are often concerned when their children aren’t getting adequate amounts of calcium through their diets.
Calcium is commonly found in dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream. However, many children have difficulty digesting lactose or are sensitive to dairy products due to lactose intolerance or milk allergy.
In these cases, mineral supplements containing the active form of the calcium molecule can be used instead for supplementary dietary benefits., Calcium supplements can come in various forms, including calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, calcium lactate, or calcium gluconate.
Calcium supplements are widely available in pharmacies and drugstores around the world. However, some parents prefer to use organic forms of dietary supplementation rather than conventional supplements containing inorganic minerals. There are many benefits associated with using plant-based calcium compared to mineral supplements.,
The most recognized plant-based sources of calcium are spinach and sesame seeds; however, it is possible to derive calcium from other fruits (like figs) or vegetables (like olives). Calcium derived from plants has several known health benefits over inorganic forms of supplementation, including increased bioavailability for absorption by living organisms.
Calcium syrups provide children with additional amounts of the active form of calcium molecules. These syrups are typically made from plant or organic sources, making them an easy choice for parents who want to provide their children with natural forms of supplementation.
There are several different types of calcium syrups available on the market today. Each type has its distinct benefits and drawbacks based on the source materials used to create the product., There are three main types of calcium syrups: mineral, organic, and plant-based.
Mineral calcium syrup is made from inorganic salts using a variety of minerals, including calcium citrate, calcium chloride, magnesium carbonate, ammonium carbonate, aluminum hydroxide sulfate, etc.
It also contains small amounts of other essential additives such as phosphorus compounds or potassium iodide. Mineral calcium syrups are typically the cheapest form of calcium supplementation, but they also have the lowest absorption rate.,
Organic calcium syrups are made from plant or animal-based organic substances. They are generally more expensive than mineral calcium syrups, but they also have a higher absorption rate. The main drawback to organic calcium syrups is that many of them do not contain enough elemental calcium to meet recommended daily requirements.,
symptoms of calcium deficiency in a child:
1. Drowsiness and sleepiness.
2. Irritability and increased tiredness after light exercise.
3. Decreased appetite and weight loss because of lack of interest in food.
4. Muscle cramps or spasms, shaking limbs that occur during the night, restless legs syndrome may be present as a symptom(may not notice this symptom).
5. High blood pressure can also occur due to low calcium levels in the body. (Can lead to damage to the heart, kidney failure)
6. Abdominal cramping can occur if minerals such as magnesium or potassium are deficient with calcium deficiency. (severe cases-can cause constipation)Diarrhea may also develop.
7. Bone pain, especially in the lower back, hips, and legs.
8. Brittle nails and hair.
9. Slow healing of wounds and fractures., Parents need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of calcium deficiency in their children, as it can lead to a host of health problems if left untreated.
Iron and calcium-rich food for toddlers:
1. Spinach and broccoli:
Both of these vegetables contain a high amount of calcium. For infants and toddlers, it is essential to steam the vegetables until they are soft to ensure that their bodies can absorb as many vitamins and minerals from the fruit or vegetable as possible.
2. Dates(khajoor):
Dates contain iron and calcium, making them one of the best snacks for children who need to increase their intake of these vital nutrients. (Eating dates regularly will also help toddlers have softer poops) Calcium is essential for solid bones while the iron is needed to produce red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout the body.,
3. Sesame seeds:
Sesame seeds are a great source of iron essential for healthy red blood cells. They are also a good source of calcium.
4. White beans:
White beans are high in both calcium and iron. They can be added to soups, stews, or even mashed up and served as a side dish.,
5. Yogurt:
Yogurt is a good source of both calcium and probiotics. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help to keep the gut healthy.
6. Salmon:
Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, essential for brain development and cognitive function. It is also a good source of calcium and vitamin D.,
7. Cheese:
Cheese is an excellent source of both calcium and vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is essential for energy levels and cognitive function.,
8. Nuts:
Nuts can be an excellent snack for children because they contain calcium and iron. However, it is essential to note that nuts do tend to hold a lot of fat.,
9. Eggs:
Eggs are an excellent source of protein and vitamin B12, essential for energy levels and cognitive function. (Vitamin A is also present in eggs)
10. Lean Beef:
Lean beef is high in protein but not carbs or sugars.-whereas most snacks do.,
11. Yogurt smoothies:
It isn’t just yogurt by itself. That’s a good source of calcium-it’s also found in yogurt smoothies. Try mixing up some ingredients such as strawberries, bananas, yogurt, and ice cubes for a delicious on-the-go snack or breakfast.
12. Fruit smoothies:
Most fruit contains some calcium, so children need to eat plenty of fruits daily to get adequate amounts of this vital nutrient.,
13. Canned fish(sardines):
Canned fish that are packed in oil are high in both calcium and vitamin D, which is essential for bone development., Now that you know more about the best sources of calcium for kids, be sure to try incorporating them into your child’s diet. If you’re not sure how much they should be eating each day, ask their pediatrician for recommendations.,
As a parent, it’s essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms of calcium deficiency in their children, as it can lead to a host of health problems if left untreated.
Some common symptoms of calcium deficiency include:
– Weak bones and teeth
– Muscle cramps and spasms
– Joint pain
– Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
– Difficulty breathing
– Heart problems (e.g., arrhythmia, palpitations)
– Kidney failure
– Abdominal cramping
– Diarrhea
– Slow healing of wounds and fractures.
Parents need to ensure that their children get enough calcium through their diet. The best sources of calcium for kids are dairy products, leafy green vegetables, fish with soft bones (e.g., sardines, salmon), and calcium-fortified foods. It’s also essential to make sure that your child is drinking enough fluids, as dehydration can decrease calcium absorption.
If you’re concerned that your child may be low in calcium, try incorporating some of the sources listed above into their diet. And if you have any questions, be sure to speak with your pediatrician.