Why Calcium Deficiency matters alot in children# 10 Calcium rich foods for children to overcome Ca-deficiency

Why Calcium is so important as compared to other nutrients:

Calcium is among much needed nutrients for building strong bones, maintaining bone density and development of teeth during childhood. Our bones hold on to most of the calcium in our body. As much as 99% of the body's calcium is found in the bones.  If your baby develops calcium deficiency in childhood, he/she may be at risk of weak bones and fractures in later life.

What is HYPOCALCEMIA:

In simple words, Calcium deficiency in body is called hypocalcemia.

⇛In children, hypocalcemia is defined as a total serum calcium concentration less than 2.1 mmol/L (8.5 mg/dL). 

⇛In case of infants, total serum calcium concentration less than 2 mmol/L (8 mg/dL) will be marked as calcium deficiency.

Signs of calcium deficiency in children:

                               

• short stature
• dry hair & skin
• brittle nails
• anorexia (weight loss)
• muscle cramps
• sluggish movements/ fatigue
• weak teeth 
• irritated and crying child
• osteoporosis
• sweating at night
• abnormal heart beat
• weak eyesight or child may develop cataract in case of severe deficiency
• numbness and tingling of fingers.

How to overcome calcium deficiency in children:

Following are 10 best natural calcium rich food sources whose frequent use can save your kid from artificial supplements:

                                             

1. Dairy products such as cow's milk, yogurt and cheese. babies less than 1 year should not be given cow's milk. Only breast milk and formula milk are preferred for them.
2. Fruits like Oranges, kiwi, berries, pineapple, papaya, Litchi
3. Green vegetables
4. Almonds
5. Lentils and beans
6. Cereals like oats, brown rice, porridge
7. Fish and meat
8. Soy drinks
9. Eggs
10. Chia seeds

Disclaimer:

                             Every cause of hypocalcemia can't be prevented. But giving babies a balanced and nutritious diet helps them to get a healthy start in life.

Breast milk and store-bought formula milk have right balance of all necessary nutrients and minerals for babies.

every parent knows his baby well. If u observe any of symptoms of hypocalcemia ,consult a doctor right away.