Did you know excessive calcium supplementation can be dangerous for babies? Parents often worry their children aren't getting enough calcium and overload them with calcium-rich foods. However, excessive calcium intake can also impact a child's growth. So what is the correct way to supplement calcium? Today, let's learn about proper calcium supplementation methods.
Excessive calcium intake poses significant risks to children
Experts note that primary symptoms of calcium overload include body swelling, excessive sweating, loss of appetite, nausea, constipation, and indigestion. Severe cases may lead to hypercalciuria. Additionally, excessive calcium intake in children can restrict brain development and hinder growth.Elevated blood calcium levels can deposit calcium around the cornea, impairing vision; on heart valves, affecting cardiac function; or on blood vessel walls, accelerating arteriosclerosis.
Experts recommend calcium supplementation only under medical supervision.Children without significant calcium deficiency can obtain calcium through foods like soy products, dairy, and fish, combined with exposure to sunlight's ultraviolet rays. Sunbathing and outdoor activities serve as the best natural calcium supplements, with dairy being the preferred calcium-rich food. For those who avoid milk, yogurt can be substituted. Achieving adequate calcium intake through balanced diet is not only feasible but also more effective, economical, safer, and sustainable.
How much calcium do children need daily?
0-6 months: 300 mg/day
6-12 months: 400 mg/day
1-3 years: 600 mg/day
4-10 years: 800 mg/day
11-18 years: 1000 mg/day
As children are in a period of rapid growth and development, calcium intake from food alone is far from sufficient to meet their needs. Therefore, in addition to a normal diet, they require supplemental calcium. The daily supplemental amount should be 50%-60% of the calcium requirement for each age group listed above.
How to Supplement Calcium Properly for Babies: Overdosing Is Dangerous
Choosing effective calcium supplements directly impacts supplementation outcomes. Experts suggest considering three key factors: Is the calcium source sufficiently concentrated? Is it safe? Does it offer a reasonable cost-effectiveness ratio?
Milk is the Optimal Calcium Supplement
The Chinese Nutrition Society's Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents (Third Edition) state: "Regularly consume dairy products, beans, or their derivatives."
Milk and other dairy products are the best calcium-rich foods. The quality of calcium they provide is unmatched by any other food or supplement. They also supply energy, high-quality protein, and vitamins essential for daily activities.Beyond rich high-quality protein and vitamins, dairy products contain substantial calcium with high absorption rates, making them an excellent natural calcium source. Fresh milk contains 63-159 mg of calcium per milliliter, milk powder ranges from 216-1239 mg per milliliter, and yogurt contains 78-212 mg per milliliter.
Other dairy products like flavored milk, whole milk powder with added sugar, high-calcium milk powder, and cream also contain significant amounts of calcium. Infants, young children, and adolescents should consume a certain amount of dairy products daily.Additionally, dairy products are rich in vitamin A and riboflavin, two nutrients often deficient in the Chinese diet. Given their high nutritional value, dairy is classified as a distinct food group in developed countries, recognized as an essential daily food source and a primary provider of calcium, phosphorus, vitamins A, D, and B2.
When supplementing calcium, the following considerations are crucial:
1. Calcium supplementation must include vitamin D
Vitamin D significantly enhances calcium absorption, acting as the key to unlocking calcium metabolism. Children require 400 IU of vitamin D daily. While the body can synthesize vitamin D, parents should encourage moderate sun exposure for children or choose calcium supplements fortified with vitamin D.
2. Avoid calcium supplements containing phosphorus
Calcium and phosphorus are the primary elements for bone formation, with a highly interdependent relationship. The ratio of calcium to phosphorus in the body must be balanced. Excessive phosphorus intake leads to the formation of insoluble calcium phosphate, which is excreted from the body.This inevitably leads to calcium loss. Due to dietary and water sources, phosphorus intake in Chinese populations already far exceeds recommended levels. Excess phosphorus during infancy and early childhood can cause serious consequences. Chinese nutrition experts strongly advise: Never give infants or young children calcium supplements containing phosphorus!
3. Magnesium affects calcium absorption
Calcium and magnesium are both divalent ions, competing for absorption in the body.For infants and young children, dietary magnesium intake typically meets metabolic needs without supplementation. Excess magnesium not only impairs calcium absorption but may also cause motor function disorders. Avoid indiscriminate use of magnesium-containing calcium supplements.
How to Supplement Calcium Properly for Babies: Overdose Risks
4. Low-Salt Diet Enhances Calcium Absorption
Recent studies reveal calcium and sodium compete during renal tubular reabsorption. High sodium intake reduces calcium absorption.The World Health Organization recommends daily salt intake below 6g for Chinese individuals, with lower levels ideal for infants and young children. Families with a preference for salty foods should strictly limit children's dietary salt intake to ensure optimal calcium absorption and utilization.Legumes and unfermented flour contain phytic acid; certain vegetables (spinach, bamboo shoots, edamame, water chestnuts, onions, etc.) contain oxalic acid, which can bind with calcium to form insoluble compounds that impair calcium absorption. These factors should be appropriately considered when supplementing calcium.
The above information highlights the risks of excessive calcium supplementation for infants. We hope this proves helpful and wish you good health.