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“Ensuring Your Infant Receives Adequate Calcium: Preventing Rickets”

The importance of calcium for infants cannot be overstated; it is integral to their development. Parents should be aware of the need to provide adequate calcium supplementation for their infants to ensure their children's healthy growth.

Administrator

11 July, 2024

Calcium is an essential mineral for the body and plays a crucial role in nourishing, regenerating, and developing strong bones and teeth. It also stimulates blood circulation and enhances nerve cell communication. The following article will help parents understand the importance of calcium supplementation for infants.

1 Why Do Infants Need Calcium Supplements?

Calcium supplementation in infants helps prevent rickets, a condition caused by vitamin D deficiency. It also ensures that infants develop strong and healthy bones, reducing the risk of osteoporosis later in life.

Additionally, adequate calcium intake is vital for overall infant health. A lack of calcium in the blood can lead to muscle spasms and seizures.

2 How to Supplement Calcium for Infants?

First, parents should learn to recognize the signs of calcium deficiency in their infants. If a calcium deficiency is suspected, a plan to increase calcium intake should be implemented.

The best way to supplement calcium is through dietary sources, and the required amount varies with age. Consult a pediatrician to determine the appropriate calcium intake for your infant. If necessary, they may recommend calcium supplements to ensure adequate calcium levels for your child’s development.

Calcium dosage is measured in milligrams (mg), and the recommended amounts are as follows:

For premature infants: Pediatricians recommend that premature infants receive 200 – 400 IU of vitamin D per day. Additionally, infants born prematurely or with a birth weight below 1.6 kg are at a higher risk of developing rickets and may require additional medications containing calcium and phosphorus.

For full-term infants: Infants under six months old require 200 mg of calcium per day, while those aged six to eleven months need 260 mg. Toddlers between one and three years old should receive 700 mg of calcium daily.

3 The Role of Vitamin D in Calcium Absorption

Vitamin D is essential for the body to absorb calcium effectively. According to medical professionals and nutritionists, vitamin D is not abundant in most foods, so it is often recommended to take vitamin D supplements or consume fortified foods.

The National Academy of Medicine recommends the following vitamin D intake:

For breastfed infants: Infants who are exclusively or partially breastfed should receive a daily supplement of 400 IU of vitamin D from birth to prevent rickets. This should continue until the infant is 12 months old.

For formula-fed infants: If an infant consumes more than 900 ml of formula per day, additional vitamin D supplementation is usually not necessary. Most commercial infant formulas are fortified with vitamin D. However, parents should carefully read the product labels to determine if their infant requires additional vitamin D and in what dosage.

For children over one year and all other individuals: Children over the age of one and everyone else should receive a minimum of 600 IU of vitamin D daily, either through supplements or a balanced diet.

4 Health Risks Associated with Excess Calcium Intake

Excess calcium intake in infants can lead to constipation, nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, and irritability. It can also cause kidney problems and, in cases of high blood calcium levels, atherosclerosis (a heart condition). Additionally, excessive calcium may hinder bone development, leading to stunted growth or early cessation of height increase.

We hope this article has provided valuable insights into calcium supplementation for infants. For further peace of mind, parents are encouraged to consult a pediatrician for personalized advice regarding their infant’s calcium needs.

Frequently asked questions

Calcium is crucial for the development of strong bones and teeth in infants. Adequate calcium intake prevents rickets, a condition that softens bones and can lead to fractures and deformities.

The recommended daily calcium intake for infants varies with age. Newborns up to 6 months old need around 200 mg of calcium per day, while infants 6-12 months old require about 260 mg. Breastmilk or formula generally provides sufficient calcium for newborns, but as solid foods are introduced, ensure they include calcium-rich options.

Dairy products like yogurt, cheese, and milk are excellent sources of calcium. For infants who are lactose intolerant or follow a vegan diet, calcium-fortified plant-based milk, tofu, broccoli, and calcium-set soybean curd are great alternatives.

Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption. Expose your infant to moderate daily sunlight, which is a natural source of vitamin D. Additionally, include vitamin D-rich foods in their diet, such as egg yolks, fatty fish like salmon, and vitamin D-fortified foods.

Signs of calcium deficiency may include poor appetite, delayed growth, irritability, and muscle spasms or twitches. If you suspect your infant isn’t getting enough calcium, consult your pediatrician, who may recommend a blood test and advise on appropriate dietary changes or supplements.