Surprised by the causes that lead to children being prone to calcium deficiency
The habit of eating salty foods and too much fiber... causes children to lack calcium, leading to rickets and stunted growth.
Dr. Phan Bich Nga, National Institute of Nutrition, said that the nutritional status of Vietnamese children in the three decades from 1985 to 2014 has improved significantly. The rate of malnourished and stunted children has decreased, but the rate of micronutrient deficiencies remains high, especially calcium deficiency. Children's diets only meet more than 60% of the body's calcium needs and nearly 11% of the body's vitamin D needs according to the recommended levels.
Russian doctors believe that children lack calcium because parents lack knowledge about raising children, leading to wrong care methods and providing inappropriate nutrition. Children are not breastfed exclusively in the first 6 months, weaned too early or incorrectly, the food is not diverse, and the food choices are not suitable. Parents feed their children too much protein and too much salt, leading to poor calcium absorption.
"Children who eat salty foods, foods high in protein, foods with stimulants or too much fiber and cereals will have calcium deficiency," Dr. Nga emphasized.
|
Foods rich in calcium. Photo:Dr. Sherry |
99% of calcium in the body is in bones and teeth, the remaining 1% circulates in the blood to maintain a steady heartbeat, relax muscles, transmit nerve impulses, participate in blood clotting factors... Children with calcium deficiency will have rickets, slow growth, and are susceptible to infectious diseases.
Infants with calcium deficiency may cry at night, and if severe, have difficulty breathing, have stiff bodies, pale faces, and rapid breathing. Children from one to 11 months old will sweat, have ringworm, be slow to grow teeth, be slow to move, and be slow to grow in height. As they grow older, if they are still calcium deficient, they are at risk of having bow legs, a small chest, and stunted growth.
"Calcium is abundant in beans, eggs, dark green vegetables, citrus fruits, seafood, milk and dairy products. The daily diet only meets an average of 50% of a child's calcium needs. Therefore, the missing amount of calcium must be supplemented," said Dr. Nga.
Experts say that the correct way to supplement calcium is for parents to choose calcium products that are easily absorbed by children, supplement with vitamin D3, vitamin K2, drink plenty of water, and combine exercise, sunbathing, and getting enough sleep.
