Question
A 20-month-old baby has been identified with severe calcium deficiency. The baby has an open fontanelle, lacks appetite, cries at night, occasionally twitches, has thin and yellow hair that is more relaxed, and the lowest ribs are more prominent than the others. Although the baby has been taking calcium and vitamin supplements as prescribed by the doctor, there seems to be no improvement. I would like to ask if the baby truly has a severe calcium deficiency, what effects it may have, and if there is a possibility of improving the condition.
Answer
A 20-month-old baby with calcium and zinc deficiencies can supplement through diet. Foods rich in calcium include milk, egg yolks, fish puree, shrimp puree, seaweed, and kelp soup; foods rich in zinc include liver puree, minced lean meat, chicken, duck, goose meat, meat puree, fish puree, mushrooms, and shellfish. Exposing the baby to sunlight more often also helps with calcium absorption. If the deficiency is mild and does not affect growth and development, there is no need to worry too much; adjustments can be made gradually.