Question
A three-year-old child has developed pectus carinatum due to calcium deficiency. Although calcium supplements have been taken, the symptoms have not improved. What other treatment options are available?
Answer
For pectus carinatum caused by calcium deficiency, in addition to supplementing with calcium, dietary habits can be changed to increase calcium intake. Milk and its products are the most common and easily absorbable sources of calcium, and they also contain abundant minerals and vitamins, especially vitamin D, which aids in the absorption and utilization of calcium. For those who do not like or cannot consume milk, calcium can be obtained from other foods such as oysters, seaweed, and cabbage. Moreover, adequate sunlight exposure can also help the body produce vitamin D.