Pediatric experts point out that it is important to supplement calcium for babies in moderation, and it is best not to easily give children additional calcium.
Vitamin D is not a nutrient
Some parents know that vitamin D can help with calcium absorption, so they often supplement their children with vitamin D. In fact, vitamin D is not a nutrient, and excessive intake can lead to symptoms such as decreased appetite, nausea, and weight loss. The probability of having high blood calcium and urinary calcium may also increase, and organs such as the kidneys, brain, heart, and lungs may also experience abnormal calcification.
Many babies now experience loss of appetite and constipation, which are related to excessive calcium supplementation. Some parents also mistakenly believe that calcium supplementation can accelerate bone healing. In fact, except for menopausal women and the elderly, infants with bone fractures usually do not lack calcium in their bodies, so there is no need for additional calcium supplementation.
A small number of children who have been severely over-supplemented with calcium for a long time may also suffer from "reindeer face syndrome": they have a large mouth, protruding upper lip, flat nose bridge, upward-facing nostrils, wide-set eyes, and strange facial expressions. These children often also have diseases such as emaciation, intellectual disability, and heart murmurs.
Formula milk powder is sufficient to meet calcium needs
Experts say that many parents not only give their children formula milk powder, but also add two or more calcium tablets, resulting in repeated stacking.
Generally speaking, infants under 6 months old need 300 milligrams of calcium per day, while infants over 6 months old need 400 milligrams of calcium per day. In formula milk powder, every 800 milligrams of milk powder already contains 600 milligrams of calcium, which is enough to meet the daily calcium needs of a normal baby.
Experts indicate that most children who are truly deficient in calcium are premature babies or large babies, and such children may need calcium supplements. Regular children do not actually need additional calcium supplementation.
Sunshine and exercise can supplement calcium
Experts believe that supplementing calcium does not mean giving more calcium tablets. In fact, the absorption and utilization of calcium in the body are influenced by multiple factors and can be obtained through multiple channels.
For children who do not have obvious calcium deficiency, calcium can be supplemented through foods such as soy products, dairy products, and fish, in addition to the effects of sunlight. Sunbathing and outdoor activities are the best natural sources of calcium, and the most suitable time for children is 10 am and 2 pm.
It is also not appropriate to crush calcium tablets and mix them with milk or food to feed children. In general, only 20% of the calcium in the food mixed with calcium tablets can be absorbed, and the rest will be excreted after digestion. If calcium tablets are fed during breastfeeding, the milk and calcium can easily combine to form clumps, making it difficult for calcium to be absorbed and for milk to be digested. The correct method is to give the child calcium tablets 1-2 hours after emptying most of the food from the stomach after breastfeeding.
