Calcium is an essential element in our body. It regulates the normal functioning of other muscles, including the heart muscle; Regulates neural activity as well as growth and maintenance.
Studies have shown That among critically ill intensive care unit (ICU)-treated children who are calcium deficient, they have an increased risk of death.
Calcium balance is maintained in the body through the interaction of parathyroid hormone, calcitonin and vitamin D. However, some may be deficient in calcium.
Who is at risk?
Newborns who are born prematurely or with low birth weight, who have delayed breathing after birth, or whose mother has diabetes during pregnancy, can develop seizures due to calcium deficiency.
If a child is born with a deficiency of parathyroid hormone or magnesium deficiency, a newborn or young child may develop seizures or muscle tremors due to calcium deficiency.
If the mother is severely deficient in vitamin D during pregnancy or the baby does not get enough vitamin D after birth, the baby may develop calcium deficiency seizures. Babies can be born with rickets or develop rickets.
A calcium deficiency can occur if a young child is fed cow’s milk or if phosphate in the body is increased due to kidney problems.
Calcium deficiency symptoms
Muscle tremors/tetany or arm twitching and convulsions. Muscle weakness, muscle tension. Respiratory spasms or spasms.
Deterioration of mental status, loss of attention. Neurological problems of eyes and brain.
Different types of dental problems. Heart beat problems and heart failure. Restless problems and rickets etc.
resistance
Milk and milk products are great sources of calcium, but not the only source. Mother’s milk should feed the child up to two years. Cow’s milk and cow’s milk are not very good food in any case.
When the baby is six months old, the habit of eating green vegetables, fruits, eggs, small fish, pulses, nuts etc. should be developed periodically as part of the family’s normal diet as a source of calcium.
treatment
If symptoms of calcium deficiency occur, hospital admission should be done immediately. Intravenous calcium should be given with extreme caution on an emergency basis, along with vitamin D as needed. Magnesium deficiency should be replenished by injection.
Jahanara Begum Child Hormone Pathologist, Associate Professor, Calcutta Children’s Hospital
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