Question
A six-month-old infant was diagnosed with calcium deficiency during a physical examination, with symptoms showing as higher than normal in the upper abdomen at two rib areas. Generally, bossing of the forehead is considered a sign of calcium deficiency, but this case did not mention it. The parents have been supplementing the child with calcium using instant golden calcium. The parents want to know if the child’s symptoms indeed indicate a calcium deficiency and whether the used calcium supplement is appropriate.
Answer
Mild calcium deficiency may cause symptoms such as nail-biting, finger ingrown toenails, night grinding teeth, flatulence, and frequent turning over in bed. It is recommended to give the child calcium tablets and supplement with cod liver oil. In daily diet, it is advisable to increase the intake of fruits, vegetables, and nuts, and moderation drink bone broth. Severe calcium deficiency may lead to skeletal deformities such as O-shaped or X-shaped legs, or even concave skull bones. In this case, it is necessary to take the child to the hospital for a trace element examination immediately.