Question
A ten-month-old baby was found to be deficient in calcium during a trace element test. The doctor recommended supplementation, but the supplement is too sweet and the baby refuses to drink it. Are there any calcium tablets suitable for babies to eat? It seems that such products are not available in pharmacies.
Answer
For a baby with calcium deficiency, vitamin D should be used first under a doctor’s guidance, usually taken orally at a dose of 5000 to 10,000 units per day. For patients with severe rickets or diarrhea, vitamin D can be administered by injection. At the same time, calcium tablets should be taken, 0.5 grams each time, one to three times daily, to meet the baby’s calcium needs and ensure safety. Additionally, dietary arrangements should be made properly. When the baby shows an interest in eating at around 4-6 months old, it is important to add complementary foods in a timely manner and gradually increase the variety to ensure a balanced diet. Consuming foods rich in calcium, such as shrimp shells, meats, and bone broths, is also an important way to supplement calcium.