Question
Is the leg pain of an 8-year-old child a sign of growing taller? If so, what should they eat?
Answer
Hello, the leg pain could be due to a calcium deficiency. It is suggested to take calcium supplements and eat more 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 well-absorbed; animal livers, egg yolks, fish, meat, and beans contain abundant vitamin D, which can promote calcium absorption. However, vitamin D in both animals and plants needs to be converted into endogenous vitamin D by ultraviolet radiation before it can be utilized by the body. Therefore, children should get appropriate sun exposure. Sea products like kelp and small shrimp shells have high calcium content; seaweed and cauliflower also contain a lot of calcium. Eating soybeans with the skin on can enhance calcium absorption; boiling bone soup with vinegar can increase the amount of calcium; and eating crispy fried fish with bones can increase the calcium content.