Detecting a calcium deficiency in a growing child is extremely important as it can hamper both physical as well as mental growth and development.

1. Diseases associated with Low
Calcium Levels in Children

2. Calcium Deficiency in Children
Calcium is one of the most vital nutrients for growing kids. It helps in
formation of bones and teeth, and helps in functioning of various vital
organs like heart, muscles and nerves. Calcium deficiency or
hypocalcaemia in children, shows up as teeth and bone health problems
like rickets.
Inclusion of calcium rich food along with vitamin D and calcium supplements
is important to prevent rickets.

3. What causes calcium deficiency in kids?
Low calcium levels in children can be due to several reasons. Some of the
causes of calcium deficiency are pregnancy or childbirth related, while
others are due to inappropriate feeding techniques.
Here are some of the common causes of hypocalcaemia:
• Low oxygen levels during delivery
• Gestational diabetes in mom
• Certain medicines like gentamycin, used during pregnancy or in lactating
mothers
• Vitamin D deficiency in baby
• Hypothyroidism in baby
• Extensive use of formula feed, that are rich in phosphorus contents
• Genetic disorders like DiGeorge syndrome

4. What symptoms can babies suffer from, if
they have hypocalcaemia?
If your kid is having a low calcium diet or having hypocalcaemia due to any other
reason, he can have serious health issues. Mild hypocalcaemia may not show
any signs or symptoms, but in severe cases, it can have life threatening
symptoms.
Hypocalcaemia symptoms include:
• Tremors or twitching of muscles
• Jerking of hands and legs
• Confusion
• Improper sleep pattern
• Delayed dentition
While signs of low calcium levels include
• Convulsions or seizures (severe hypocalcaemia)
• Slow pulse rate
• Lowered blood pressure
• Deformities in joints
It is always better to consult your pediatrician, if you notice any of these
symptoms.

5. What can I do to improve my baby’s
calcium intake?
A mild form of calcium deficiency may not show any symptoms, the best
method to detect a calcium deficiency is through a blood test. If your
pediatrician feels your baby is having hypocalcaemia, he may confirm it
with a blood test. Once a calcium deficiency is confirmed, you may need to
make certain dietary or feeding changes for your baby or may require
calcium drops for babies.

6. • Keeping your baby exposed to sunlight helps in boosting vitamin D levels.
Vitamin D increases calcium levels of the blood by increasing its
absorption from food.
• Breastfeeding your baby and reducing or stopping formula feed, or
exclusively breastfeeding your baby will aid in improving calcium levels.
Breast feeding is the best calcium for kids.
• If you have a relatively poor milk flow, then choose a humanized milk
formula and avoid cow or buffalo milk.
• If your baby had hypocalcaemia due to certain congenital issues, you may
require to feed him calcium supplements.
• For kids above a year’s age, certain food like beans, lentils, almonds,
spinach, figs, ragi, and dairy products like curd and yogurt, which are rich
in calcium need to be given.
• If your baby has severe calcium deficiency, than he may require to take
calcium or calcium and vitamin D supplements in the form of tablets or
drops (as per your baby’s age).
Calcium deficiency treatment options