Calcium is one of the minerals needed for a child's growth. A lack of calcium can affect a child's development in the future. Unfortunately, calcium deficiency can often occur in infancy and go unnoticed.

Calcium deficiency (Hypocalcemia) in children

Calcium is a mineral that the body needs for the growth of strong bones and teeth. When a child lacks calcium, this condition can affect their growth from a young age into adulthood.

Parents need to be aware that calcium deficiency can occur from birth, especially in premature babies. Some causes of calcium deficiency in babies include:

• Effects of medications
• Maternal diabetes
• Low oxygen levels in the baby
• Infection
• Stress from certain illnesses

In addition to the aforementioned causes, newborns can also experience calcium deficiency due to conditions such as DiGeorge syndrome and parathyroid gland disorders.

Signs of calcium deficiency in children

Babies who lack calcium often do not show symptoms. However, some signs to watch out for include:

• Irritable
• Shivering
• Tingling sensation in the fingers and toes
• Seizures

Another sign is that the baby generally has a slow heartbeat and low blood pressure. However, this condition cannot be seen directly with the naked eye and requires examination.

In older children, signs of calcium deficiency may present as brittle and cracked nails, frequent dental issues, and delayed physical development.

Risk of calcium deficiency in children

The impacts of calcium deficiency in children include: 

• Impaired growth

Calcium is essential for the growth of bone tissue and the proper functioning of the nervous and muscular systems. During childhood, bones grow rapidly, and this growth continues until the end of adolescence. A lack of calcium can lead to impaired growth, preventing children from reaching their full growth potential.

• Bone abnormalities

Calcium deficiency can lead to bone abnormalities such as rickets, a childhood disease characterized by overly soft bones that bend, curve, and break easily.

Failure to address this condition during childhood can result in poor posture in adulthood.

• Nervous system impairment and blood clotting

Calcium plays a crucial role in regulating muscle function and maintaining blood pressure. A deficiency in calcium can diminish both muscle and nerve functions in children. Additionally, insufficient calcium levels can result in blood clotting disorders during bleeding episodes in children.

• Bone disorders

At a young age, the body will store calcium in bone tissue. However, as we age, the body's ability to store calcium in the bones decreases. These calcium reserves will be used at any time when the body needs calcium. If a child's calcium reserves are low, the child will be at risk of developing osteoporosis in adulthood.

How do I deal with calcium deficiency?

To restore calcium reserves in children, doctors may suggest administering calcium supplements. In addition to calcium supplements, doctors may also prescribe vitamin D supplements to support bone growth. It's important to refrain from taking calcium and vitamin D supplements without medical guidance, as they can potentially harm other organs.

If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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