Signs of severe calcium deficiency in children.

Calcium plays a crucial role in a child's development. A prolonged deficiency can lead to symptoms such as stunted growth, muscle cramps, weak teeth, and frequent fatigue.

Prolonged calcium deficiency can cause children to grow more slowly than normal. Photo: Shutterstock .

Calcium is one of the most important minerals for a child's development. Not only does it help form strong bones and teeth, but it also participates in the functioning of muscles, the nervous system, and many other vital functions.

However, many children today suffer from calcium deficiency due to inadequate diets or difficulties in absorbing this nutrient. If prolonged, calcium deficiency can affect a child's physical development and long-term health.

According to The Asian Parents, calcium deficiency in children often develops silently. When it persists or becomes severe, children may exhibit the following symptoms:

Signs of calcium deficiency in children

Weak bones, easily fractured.

Calcium is the main component of bones. When the body does not receive enough calcium, bone density can decrease, making bones weaker and increasing the risk of pain or fractures upon impact.

Stunted growth

Calcium plays a vital role in bone development. A prolonged deficiency can lead to stunted growth in children, preventing them from reaching age-appropriate physical milestones.

Dental problems

Children who are deficient in calcium often have a higher risk of cavities, weak enamel, or slower tooth eruption than normal.

You may also like

Heart defects can be detected through routine health checkups.During a general check-up at the hospital, the 23-year-old woman was shocked to learn that her heart had a 31mm hole in it. Without the doctors' keen observation, the patient would have faced severe heart failure in middle age.

Risk of invasive pneumococcal diseasePneumococcus is a common cause of community-acquired pneumonia and is the leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections and deaths.

Vietnam's first AI-powered robot helps reconstruct complex deformed knee joints.Using the CUVIS-Joint robotic joint replacement system with integrated artificial intelligence, doctors have successfully treated many patients with severely deformed knee joints after years of degeneration and failed surgeries. In just over two months since its implementation, this technology has recorded nearly 100 successful surgeries and earned Vietnam three international certifications.

Children who are deficient in calcium often have a higher risk of cavities, weak enamel, or slower tooth eruption than normal. Photo: Adobe Stock.

Brittle, easily broken nails

Healthy nails are usually smooth and strong. If a child's nails are prone to chipping, cracking, or breaking, it could be a sign that the body is lacking important nutrients, including calcium.

Muscle cramps, spasms, or weakness.

Calcium is involved in regulating muscle contraction and relaxation. When calcium levels in the body are low, children may experience cramps, muscle stiffness, or muscle weakness.

Irritability, fatigue

This mineral also affects the functioning of the nervous system. Children who are deficient in calcium may frequently experience fatigue, reduced concentration, irritability, or mood swings.

Complications to watch out for

In cases of severe and prolonged calcium deficiency, children may develop rickets – a condition that makes bones soft and easily deformed. Some severe cases of hypocalcemia can also cause seizures or spasms in the limbs.

Parents should take their children to the doctor early if symptoms such as cramps, muscle aches, slow growth, recurring tooth decay, or persistent fatigue appear frequently and do not improve despite dietary adjustments.

In particular, children should be taken to a medical facility immediately if they exhibit serious symptoms such as seizures, generalized muscle spasms, numbness around the mouth or fingertips, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat, or lethargy and reduced responsiveness. These symptoms may be related to severe hypocalcemia and require prompt treatment.

You may also like

A breakthrough in Vietnamese cardiovascular surgery.On the morning of June 25th, the University Medical Center (Vietnam National University, Hanoi) announced the successful completion of a total endoscopic cardiac surgery to repair an atrial septal defect under extracorporeal circulation, affirming the mastery of cutting-edge technology and techniques by Vietnamese doctors.

Military Hospital 120 (Military Region 9): Enhancing safe pregnancy management and maternal and newborn healthcare.On the afternoon of June 25th, Military Hospital 120, Logistics and Technical Department of Military Region 9, organized a specialized scientific conference on "Updating maternal and infant care: From safe pregnancy to a healthy start for newborns".

Hoan My Vinh Hospital and its journey of over a decade accompanying children with congenital defects.Even a minor physical defect can become a major obstacle to a child's future. Understanding this, Hoan My Vinh Hospital has accompanied thousands of families on their journey to treat and overcome congenital defects, bringing a complete childhood and a brighter future to underprivileged children.

Experts recommend that parents prioritize calcium supplementation through a balanced diet with calcium-rich foods such as milk and dairy products, small fish eaten whole with bones, tofu, shrimp, crab, and dark green leafy vegetables. In addition, it is necessary to ensure children receive sufficient vitamin D through adequate sun exposure or foods rich in vitamin D to enhance calcium absorption.

Parents should not give children high-dose calcium supplements for extended periods without a doctor's prescription.

If a calcium deficiency is suspected in a child, the doctor may order a nutritional assessment, check physical development, and in some cases, perform blood tests to determine calcium and vitamin D levels or to find the cause of the deficiency.

Source: https://znews.vn/dau-hieu-tre-thieu-canxi-nang-post1662310.html