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Should Your Child Take Additional Calcium Supplements?

Are you considering calcium supplements to enhance your child's growth? It's important to do your research before making any decisions. While these supplements may promise taller stature, they could potentially cause unintended harm. Let's explore whether giving your child calcium supplements is truly necessary and understand the potential benefits and drawbacks.

Administrator

22 July, 2024

Noticing a lack of height growth in their children, parents often immediately resort to giving their kids calcium supplements. But is this truly scientific and beneficial? Let’s explore this topic further.

Does Calcium Help With Height Growth?

Many Vietnamese parents believe that giving their children extra calcium will help them grow taller, so they start giving them calcium supplements at an early age, in addition to milk, with the hope that it will make them taller.

However, parents should understand the following:

– For children aged 0-2 years old, height growth depends more on genetics and physical activity than nutrition. Vitamin D, which has various roles in the body, including calcium absorption and metabolism, is a more critical factor during this stage.

[captionnews]Genetics and physical activity are more influential on height during early childhood than calcium intake.[/captionnews]

– Nutritional factors truly start to impact children’s height from the ages of 4-8 years old and during the pre-puberty stage (11-13 years old for girls and 12-14 years old for boys). However, calcium is just one of many nutritional factors, including vitamin D, amino acids (which produce growth hormones), and energy sources, that contribute to height growth, and it is not the sole determinant.

[captionnews]Calcium is just one of several nutritional factors that influence a child’s height.[/captionnews]

– Calcium obtained from breast milk, dairy products, and other food sources (meat, eggs, fish, green vegetables, fruits, and cereals) is sufficient to meet the needs of children. This form of calcium is safer and more easily absorbed by the body, reducing the risk of calcium imbalances, and is therefore recommended over calcium supplements.

[captionnews]Calcium from food sources is safer, more easily absorbed, and recommended over calcium supplements.[/captionnews]

– Unnecessary calcium supplementation can lead to various disadvantages and long-term developmental issues for children.

Therefore, parents should carefully consider and consult a doctor before deciding to give their children calcium supplements.

The Dangers of Excess Calcium in Children’s Bodies

– Calcium is utilized by the body to form bones when there is a demand. If the body doesn’t require it, excess calcium from supplementation will either be excreted or accumulate in the blood, leading to increased kidney workload and potential health risks, including cardiovascular issues.

– The body absorbs elemental calcium to build bones. Calcium from food sources, in the form of salts, tends to have better bioavailability and absorption than calcium from supplements. Taking calcium supplements without medical supervision can hinder the absorption of elemental calcium, leading to calcium buildup.

While parents give calcium supplements to their children with the intention of supporting their height growth, it is important to be cautious as it may not lead to increased height and could potentially cause health issues that impact their overall development and long-term well-being.

[captionnews]Calcium supplements may not be beneficial for height growth and could potentially cause health issues.[/captionnews]

When Do Children Actually Need Calcium Supplements?

Firstly, it’s important to note that calcium supplements should only be given to children when truly necessary and under the guidance of a doctor. Some situations where calcium supplements may be considered include:

– Infants: Babies may require calcium supplements if they are born to mothers who had a poor diet during pregnancy, resulting in calcium deficiency. Signs of calcium deficiency in infants include a wide fontanel (soft spot), slow fontanel closure, large head, poor feeding, restlessness, crying, arching of the back, sleep disturbances, night sweats, and more.

– Early Childhood: Children may need calcium supplements if they are facing issues related to micronutrient deficiencies, including calcium, which can lead to weakness, stunted growth, malnutrition, or the risk thereof.

– Children During Growth Spurts: Puberty is a critical period for height growth. In addition to a nutritious diet and regular physical activity, parents can consult a doctor to determine if calcium supplements are necessary to support their child’s growth during this stage.

[captionnews]Calcium supplements should only be given to children in necessary cases and under medical supervision.[/captionnews]

When using calcium supplements, parents should carefully consider the dosage (based on the child’s age) and administration (timing and combination with meals) to ensure optimal effectiveness while minimizing potential side effects.

Whether or not to give a child calcium supplements should not be decided by parents alone. It is crucial to follow the guidance, advice, or prescription of a doctor when there is a genuine need. The excessive use of supplements to promote height growth may not yield the desired results and could potentially harm the child’s health.

Frequently asked questions

It is generally recommended that children get their calcium from a balanced diet. However, if your child doesn’t get enough calcium from their diet, or if they have certain medical conditions, your doctor may recommend a calcium supplement. It’s important to discuss this with your child’s pediatrician to ensure your child is getting the right amount of calcium and to rule out any potential side effects or interactions with other medications.

The amount of calcium your child needs depends on their age and developmental stage. Infants up to 6 months old need around 200 mg of calcium per day, while 7-12 month olds need about 260 mg. Children aged 1-3 years should aim for 700 mg per day, and those aged 4-8 years old require around 1000 mg. For adolescents aged 9-18 years, the recommendation is 1300 mg per day.

Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese are excellent sources of calcium. Calcium-fortified foods and beverages, such as certain types of cereal, juice, and plant-based milk, are also good options. Additionally, leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale, as well as broccoli, contain calcium.

While calcium supplements are generally safe, excessive intake can lead to constipation, gas, and bloating. More serious side effects may include kidney stones and an increased risk of heart disease. It’s important to note that calcium supplements should be taken with caution if your child is also taking certain medications, such as antibiotics or thyroid hormones, as they can interfere with calcium absorption.

Offer a variety of calcium-rich foods in your child’s diet and encourage them to eat a balanced meal. If you’re concerned about their calcium intake, speak to your pediatrician, who can advise you on whether a supplement is necessary and recommend the appropriate dosage.