Question
What symptoms can severe calcium deficiency cause in babies?
Answer
Severe calcium deficiency may cause the following symptoms in babies:
- Restless sleep, prone to frequent waking.
- Irritability, with mood instability.
- Nervous tension, easily prone to outbursts.
- A tendency to pull hair or scratch the face, possibly due to scalp itching.
- Frequent rubbing of the eyes, possibly due to fatigue or eye discomfort.
- Easily waking and crying during sleep when held.
- Nighttime eye rubbing and fussiness in wanting to sleep.
- Restlessness while sitting or standing, possibly due to muscle weakness.
- A tendency to put objects in the mouth to chew, possibly because of teething discomfort.
- Excessive sweating, especially after feeding or during sleep.
- Delayed teething, possibly due to insufficient calcium affecting tooth growth.
- Instability, possibly because of muscle weakness leading to difficulties in sitting or standing. It is recommended to consume foods rich in calcium or those that aid in calcium absorption, such as dairy products, animal livers, egg yolks, fish, meats, and legumes. Also, ensure adequate intake of vitamin D to promote calcium absorption. Seaweed and cauliflower are also foods high in calcium content.