Question
My baby is now over 11 months old and almost 1 year. She hasn’t started teething yet. After some tests, the doctor said she is deficient in calcium and zinc, and the deficiencies are quite significant. What should I do to supplement them now? I’m in a hurry. The doctor mentioned drinking a supplement to quickly replenish the calcium, but what kind of supplement is it? Thank you~
Answer
Babies who are deficient in calcium often have a deficiency of vitamin D as well. The doctor can administer a vitamin D injection to help with absorption. For calcium and zinc, it is recommended to focus on dietary supplements while also using medication for absorption. Exposing the baby to more sunlight can aid in vitamin D absorption. There are many sources of calcium in food, and the calcium in food is the easiest for the body to absorb. Milk is the best source of calcium for supplementation. The calcium content in soy products is also rich. Bone broth from animals also contains a high amount of calcium, and adding more vinegar during cooking can help dissolve the calcium. Therefore, by drinking more milk every day and including vegetables, fruits, and soy products in the diet, your baby can already meet the body’s needs, so there’s no need for additional calcium supplements. It’s best to consume more dairy products, tofu, shrimp shells, and other foods.