Many moms worry about their children's nutritional deficiencies and try various supplements, ultimately leading to inadequate nutrition for their children. The reason behind this is the lack of purpose. Today, I will introduce the correct way to supplement vitamins for your children, so that they can grow up healthy.
The Importance of Supplementing Vitamins
Vitamin D is a crucial factor for strong bones and healthy growth in babies.
What happens if babies lack vitamin D?
If babies do not consume enough vitamin D, they may develop "rickets." Rickets can cause changes in the bones, such as a square skull, chicken chest, bowlegs, or knock-knees.
Which babies are more likely to lack vitamin D?
1. Babies who are breastfed.
Although breast milk is rich in other nutrients, the content of vitamin D is relatively low.
2. Premature babies.
3. Babies with limited sunlight exposure.
4. Babies with dark skin.
5. Babies who consume little milk.
What foods can babies eat to supplement vitamin D?
Formula milk, milk, yogurt, orange juice; vitamin D-fortified rice powder or rice porridge; cod liver oil; salmon or mackerel.
How to prevent vitamin D poisoning in babies?
Long-term excessive intake or short-term overdose or excessive sensitivity to vitamin D can lead to poisoning. Mild or early symptoms may include low-grade fever, irritability, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, thirst, and weakness. Severe or late symptoms may include high fever, increased or decreased urine output, dehydration, lethargy, coma, seizures, etc. In severe cases, it can cause hypercalcemia and renal failure, leading to death. Laboratory tests may show increased blood calcium and urine calcium, increased urine protein or blood urea nitrogen. X-ray examination may show excessive calcification of the temporary calciumization zone of long bones, increased density, thickening of bone cortex, and ectopic calcification in other organs and tissues.
[Treatment] Immediately stop taking vitamin D, treat hypercalcemia, restrict calcium intake, use diuretics to accelerate calcium excretion, and use corticosteroids to inhibit calcium absorption in the intestines. Except for severe cases with irreversible kidney damage, the prognosis is usually good.
[Prevention] Publicize the knowledge of hygiene and health care for the prevention and treatment of rickets. Make full use of natural conditions and strongly advocate for sun exposure. When using vitamin D for prevention and treatment, attention should be paid to dosage and timing, and close observation should be carried out.
Reminder: Exposure of the baby's skin to sunlight can also synthesize some vitamin D, so regular outdoor activities not only allow the baby to exercise but also obtain vitamin D.
