Question
A premature baby born 25 days earlier, now 8 months and 26 days old, was found to have ribcage outward curvature at five months. Examination revealed that NBAP (urinary deoxyribopyridinyl pyrophosphatase) was elevated to 220U/L (normal value below 200U/L), with other trace elements within the normal range but slightly low. Two days ago, a re-examination showed that NBAP was still at 220U/L, and it was found that there was a deficiency of calcium, iron, and zinc, but the child’s development was within the normal range.
Answer
The baby is currently in a sub-healthy state, as premature infants are prone to deficiencies in nutrients such as zinc, iron, and calcium. It is recommended to supplement vitamin D daily, gradually reducing from 800 units to 600 units and then to 400 units, at least continuing until the age of 3. At the same time, appropriate supplementation of gluconate zinc and calcium can be considered, and iron supplementation is not necessary if there are no symptoms of anemia, as it may affect appetite. It is advisable to consume foods rich in zinc, calcium, and iron, such as liver, egg yolks, meats, small shrimp shells, and various green vegetables.