Question
A six-month-old baby was diagnosed with calcium deficiency during a physical examination, with symptoms showing as prominent ribs on both sides of the upper abdomen. While bossing of the skull is generally considered a typical symptom of calcium deficiency, this case did not mention it. The baby is currently taking a quick-dissolving calcium supplement. Parents want to know if this is appropriate and how to confirm if the baby truly has a calcium deficiency.
Answer
Mild calcium deficiency may cause infants to exhibit behaviors such as biting nails, having finger ingrown toenails, grinding teeth at night, frequent flipping over, and farting. It is recommended to give the baby calcium tablets and cod liver oil to supplement the required amount, while also increasing the intake of fruits, vegetables, and nuts in daily meals, and moderation drinking bone broth. Severe calcium deficiency may lead to skeletal deformities such as bow legs or knock knees, even causing sunken skull bones. In this case, it is advisable to take the baby to the hospital for a trace element test and follow up based on the test results.