Question
What are the effects of calcium and zinc deficiencies in a 11-year-old boy? The child is slightly overweight and tends to feel drowsy during exercise.
Answer
Long-term calcium deficiency in children may lead to symptoms such as growth and development delays, rickets, O-shaped or X-shaped legs, pigeon chest, and more. Zinc deficiency may result in loss of appetite, pica, and an increased likelihood of falling ill. It is recommended to consume high-calcium foods such as dairy products, dried small fish, seaweed, black sesame seeds, alfalfa, and snow peas. Also, seafood like scallops and oysters, as well as pork liver, eggs, peanuts, and oatmeal that are rich in zinc should be included in the diet.