What are the symptoms of calcium deficiency in infants?
Disease description:
My baby has been sleeping restlessly lately, sweating easily, and has sparse hair. I'm very concerned that these might be signs of calcium deficiency. Could you please tell me what the symptoms of calcium deficiency are in babies?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Possible signs of calcium deficiency in infants include:
1. Sleep disturbances: Babies may wake up frequently at night, cry persistently, have difficulty falling asleep, or experience poor sleep quality. Excessive sweating of the head may also occur even when the room temperature is comfortable.
2. Physical development: Severe calcium deficiency may cause softening of the skull bones, abnormal head shape, or delayed closure of the anterior fontanelle. It can also affect tooth development, leading to delayed tooth eruption or weak tooth structure. Long-term calcium deficiency may trigger rickets, causing skeletal deformities and bowed legs.
3. Abnormal daily behaviors: For example, warm palms and excessive sweating during daytime, yellowish hair color, or a ring of sparse hair at the back of the head. Delayed tooth eruption, late walking, poor appetite, indigestion, or picky eating may also occur. The infant may even experience decreased immunity with frequent colds and fevers. In severe cases, skeletal deformities such as bowlegs (O-shaped legs) or knock-knees (X-shaped legs) may develop.
If your baby exhibits any of the above symptoms of calcium deficiency, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Additionally, ensure your baby gets sufficient outdoor activity time to promote vitamin D synthesis, which aids calcium absorption.
