How to supplement calcium, iron, and zinc deficiencies in children

Generally, calcium, iron, and zinc deficiencies in children may be caused by an unreasonable diet structure, improper feeding methods, hypothyroidism, chronic diarrhea, malabsorption syndrome, or other related factors. It is recommended to seek timely medical advice and follow the doctor's guidance for treatments such as general management or medication. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Unreasonable Diet Structure

If children have habits of selective eating or food preference, consuming only a limited variety of foods, their diet may become monotonous and they may fail to obtain sufficient nutrients. For example, disliking vegetables can lead to insufficient iron intake, avoiding milk can reduce calcium intake, and refusing seafood can result in inadequate zinc intake. Parents should cultivate good eating habits in children from an early age, encouraging them to try various foods and ensuring dietary diversity to avoid picky eating.

2. Improper Feeding Methods

For infants and young children, prolonged breastfeeding without timely introduction of complementary foods, or inappropriate addition of complementary foods, may deprive children of opportunities to obtain calcium, iron, and zinc from food sources. After six months, breast milk alone can no longer fully meet the child's growth needs for these trace elements, and complementary foods rich in these nutrients should be introduced timely. From 4 to 6 months of age, iron-fortified rice cereal, vegetable puree, and fruit puree should be gradually introduced as complementary foods. As the child adapts, foods such as egg yolk, meat puree, and liver puree rich in calcium, iron, and zinc should be added progressively.

3. Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is often caused by incomplete thyroid development or autoimmune thyroiditis, leading to reduced secretion or impaired action of thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones play a crucial regulatory role in metabolism and growth and development. A deficiency can lower the metabolic rate and impair gastrointestinal motility and digestive absorption functions, thereby affecting the absorption of calcium, iron, and zinc. Symptoms may also include drowsiness and cold intolerance. Treatment may include medications such as levothyroxine sodium tablets, calcium lactate tablets, and dextran iron oral solution, as advised by a physician.

4. Chronic Diarrhea

Chronic diarrhea may result from various causes, such as intestinal infections or intestinal dysfunction. Prolonged diarrhea damages the intestinal mucosa, impairing the absorption and transport of trace elements such as calcium, iron, and zinc, leading to deficiencies. Symptoms may also include abdominal pain and bloating. Treatment may include medications such as cefixime granules, live combined Bacillus subtilis and Enterococcus faecium granules, and zinc lysine gluconate granules, as directed by a physician.

5. Malabsorption Syndrome

Malabsorption syndrome refers to a group of conditions caused by impaired digestion and absorption functions of the small intestine due to various factors, resulting in the inability to properly absorb nutrients. Due to compromised intestinal absorption, trace elements such as calcium, iron, and zinc cannot be effectively absorbed into the bloodstream, leading to deficiencies. Symptoms may also include weight loss and delayed growth and development. Treatment may include medications such as zinc gluconate granules, ferrous sulfate tablets, and live combined Clostridium butyricum and Bacillus subtilis powder, as prescribed by a doctor.

In daily life, it is important to schedule regular health check-ups for children to monitor their trace element levels. Additionally, a favorable mealtime environment should be created to minimize distractions and help children focus on eating, thereby promoting better nutrient intake.