Generally speaking, parents tend to provide various supplements to their children from the moment they are born. Sometimes, they stick to one particular flavor that the child likes, thinking that it is a good thing that the child enjoys it. This can lead to an excess of certain nutrients and a deficiency in others. Therefore, parents should choose what is suitable for their child, rather than their own preferred flavor.
Avoid these misconceptions when supplementing calcium for children
1. Choosing calcium supplements with a sweet taste for children
Some calcium supplements for infants and young children are sweet, as children generally enjoy sweet things. The intention is to make it easier for children to accept the supplement, but this may lead to a preference for sweet foods during their taste bud development stage.
2. Consuming vegetables along with calcium supplements to aid calcium absorption
A child's diet needs to be balanced, but it is important to note that calcium and fiber easily form compounds that are difficult to absorb.
3. The more expensive the calcium supplement, the more effective it is
The absorption and utilization of calcium are not related to the particle size of the calcium product. It depends on whether it has biological activity.
What are good sources of calcium for children?
1. Milk
Milk is often the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to calcium supplementation. Milk is a highly nutritious food and is the preferred choice for calcium supplementation. The calcium-to-phosphorus ratio in milk is very appropriate, which is beneficial for calcium absorption.
2. Cod liver oil
Cod liver oil is rich in vitamin A and vitamin D. Vitamin D helps with calcium absorption, so cod liver oil has a significant effect on calcium supplementation.
3. Green vegetables
Most leafy green vegetables are rich in calcium, and the fiber in vegetables can promote gastrointestinal motility and improve digestion efficiency.
Leafy greens such as kale, broccoli, mustard greens, and spinach are all good choices for children and are excellent sources of calcium.
4. Legumes
Most legumes are rich in calcium, such as kidney beans and black-eyed peas. They can be eaten directly or used to make soy milk or tofu.
The dangers of calcium deficiency in children
1. Restlessness, frequent crying for no apparent reason, difficulty falling asleep, and even easy awakening even if sleep is achieved.
2. Excessive sweating, even in moderate weather.
3. Yellow and sparse hair, hair loss at the back of the head, and frequent hair loss.
4. Delayed teething compared to children of the same age.
5. Late closure of the fontanelles and muscle weakness.
6. Dull expression, fewer facial expressions, and delayed motor and language skills compared to children at the same stage.
7. For individuals with long-term calcium deficiency, it can lead to delayed development or even deformities. Symptoms can include a high and prominent forehead, forming a square-shaped skull. Rib beads may also be present, where the growth of cartilage in each rib connects in a beaded-like manner, often compressing the lungs and causing poor ventilation, making the child prone to tracheitis and pneumonia.
8. Poor appetite and picky eating are also related to calcium deficiency. Insufficient calcium intake can lead to loss of appetite, low intelligence, and weakened immune function.
9. The occurrence of eczema is also related to calcium deficiency, commonly found on the scalp, face, and behind the ears, accompanied by restlessness and excessive sweating on the back of the head and back.
