Question

What are the normal reference values for children’s trace elements such as calcium, iron, and zinc? If a child often has anorexia, picky eating, hyperactivity, and inattention, as well as a preference for lying on their stomach to sleep, could these be related to a deficiency in trace elements?

Answer

Trace elements play a crucial role in children’s growth and development. A deficiency in these elements can potentially impact a child’s growth. There are various methods for testing trace elements, including venous blood tests, peripheral blood tests, and hair sampling. Different testing methods can lead to variations in the normal value ranges reported by laboratories. Each test result will come with a normal reference range, allowing parents to assess whether their child’s trace element levels are within the normal range.