Question

Is it suitable for a 1-year-5-month-old baby to take supplements regularly?

Answer

Calcium supplementation not only requires attention to calcium digestion but also to its absorption. Factors that promote calcium absorption include:

  1. Intake of Vitamin D, which aids in calcium absorption.
  2. Exposing the baby to sunlight for at least two hours a day and engaging in outdoor activities.
  3. Avoiding excessive intake of oxalate-rich foods, such as certain grains, which can bind with calcium and reduce its absorption rate. Dietary fiber may also affect calcium absorption. Poor fat absorption can also impact calcium absorption. It is recommended to avoid consuming these foods simultaneously when taking calcium supplements.
  4. Consuming foods rich in calcium and Vitamin D, such as fish, shrimp, crab, seaweed, dairy products, animal liver, beans, and black sesame seeds. Since the baby is still quite young and has a relatively simple diet, it is advisable to supplement calcium through calcium tablets and Vitamin D under the guidance of a doctor. This will allow for a detailed examination to confirm the baby’s level of calcium deficiency, thereby determining the duration and dosage of supplementation. Over-supplementation can increase the risk of kidney stones, lead to milk-alkali syndrome, and interfere with the absorption of other minerals. Once the baby reaches 6 months old, a more varied diet can be introduced. At this stage, it is recommended to adjust the diet (points 3 and 4 mentioned above) to help the baby absorb calcium.