Question
Pediatrics Expert, hello. What is the appropriate dosage for calcium supplementation in premature infants? Can excessive calcium intake have adverse effects on premature infants?
Answer
Premature infants, due to their faster growth and development compared to full-term infants, are more prone to calcium deficiency. It is generally recommended to start supplementing with vitamin A and D immediately after birth, with an approximate dosage of 800 milligrams per day. After three months, the dosage can be adjusted to 400 milligrams for prevention. If a calcium deficiency in premature infants is confirmed through testing, appropriate calcium supplementation can be administered; if the test results show no deficiency, there is no need for special calcium supplementation. In daily care, it is encouraged to expose premature infants to outdoor activities and sunlight exposure to promote calcium absorption. At the same time, parents should take their premature infants for regular health checks to promptly detect and address any abnormalities.