Question
The child is now 14 years old and is only about 1.3 meters tall, much shorter than his or her peers. In the past, the parents did not pay much attention, and the diet was not worse than others. They are unsure of what factors or diseases might be involved and hope experts can provide an answer. Thank you.
Answer
If genetic factors are ruled out, it is recommended to actively undergo bone age testing. It is suggested to supplement calcium actively, especially by consuming more calcium-rich foods in daily diet, and to engage in physical exercises such as jumping or pull-ups, while ensuring adequate rest and maintaining a cheerful mood. Increase the intake of foods rich in calcium or those that can promote calcium absorption. For example: dairy products (human milk, cow’s milk, goat’s milk, etc.) are rich in calcium and are easily absorbed; animal liver, egg yolks, fish, meat, and beans contain abundant vitamin D, which can promote calcium absorption. However, vitamin D from animals and plants needs to be converted into endogenous vitamin D by ultraviolet radiation before it can be utilized by the body. Sea products like kelp and small shrimp shells are high in calcium; seaweed and cauliflower also contain a lot of calcium; eating soybeans with the skin can enhance calcium absorption; bone soup cooked with vinegar can increase the amount of calcium; and eating crispy fish with bones can increase the calcium content.