Buzz
Supplementing calcium for babies under 1 year is a topic that concerns many parents. Calcium is a essential mineral for the bone development and overall health of the baby. So, what advice do experts have for infants under 1 year? Let's explore it with Pasgo!
Role and calcium needs for babies under 1 year
Timely and adequate calcium supplementation for babies under 1 year will optimize the genetic potential and height development of the child. This is especially crucial during the first 1000 golden days to supplement calcium for the child. Parents, let's delve into the role of calcium at this age and how much your baby needs every day.
The Role of Calcium for Babies Under 1 Year
The period from infancy to 1 year is when babies need calcium supplementation. This is because calcium is the primary component constituting 99% of the baby's bones and teeth. The remaining 1% of calcium participates in the formation of various cell tissues. The bones and teeth of the child are very strong by the age of 1. This is also the time when calcium is most effectively enhanced and utilized.
Children need calcium for the development of bones, teeth, and overall health
For children under 1 year old, a lack of calcium will significantly impact the body and the overall development of the child. Some common issues of calcium deficiency in children under 1 year include rickets, hair loss, delayed crawling, night sweats, difficulty sleeping, slow teething, etc. Parents need to pay attention to supplementing calcium for their child if they notice any signs or issues mentioned above when the child is under 1 year old.
Calcium Needs for Babies Under 1 Year
According to the recommendations of the National Institute of Nutrition, the calcium needs for babies under 1 year are as follows:
- For infants under 6 months: 300 mg of calcium per day.
- For babies from 7 to 12 months: 400 mg of calcium per day.
Due to this high demand, parents need to pay close attention to calcium supplementation. However, we can't just supplement calcium randomly. Parents, continue reading the article to learn more about calcium for babies under 1 year old!
Understanding Calcium for Babies Under 1 Year
Calcium plays a crucial role in the comprehensive development of babies, especially those under 1 year old. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each type, when to take them, and what precautions to consider when supplementing?
Types of Calcium for Babies Under 1 Year
When supplementing calcium, parents need to pay attention to the type of calcium for their baby. Each type has its own pros and cons, specifically as follows:
Choose Organic Calcium for Babies Under 1 Year
- Organic Calcium: Organic calcium is a compound of calcium ions and organic substances. The major advantage is its easy absorption into the body due to a chemical structure similar to calcium in food. As a result, this type of calcium is less prone to precipitate, deposit, and does not cause constipation in babies. However, the organic calcium content in products is often low.
- Inorganic Calcium: The advantage of this type is its high calcium content. However, it tends to be poorly absorbed and can easily form lumps, deposits, and cause constipation. Parents should consider these pros and cons to choose the appropriate calcium type for babies under 1 year old.
Timing to Supplement Calcium for Babies Under 1 Year
When should you supplement calcium for babies under 1 year to maximize the effectiveness of supplementation? The answer is parents should choose to supplement in the morning. This is the time of day when the baby's body is most easily absorbed and metabolizes calcium. Additionally, parents should pay attention to supplementing calcium for the baby after meals, around 30-60 minutes. Avoid taking supplements right after meals, as this makes calcium compete with other nutrients in the diet such as iron and zinc. Also, the morning is the time when your child gets sunlight - a factor that helps the body optimize the synthesis of vitamin D. In the morning, the baby is also more active, making the absorption of calcium most effective as the metabolic process is vigorous.
Considerations When Supplementing Calcium for Babies Under 1 Year
In addition, to enhance the effectiveness of supplementing calcium for babies under 1 year, parents need to pay special attention to the following points:
Supplementing Vitamin D with Calcium Will Enhance the Amount of Calcium Absorbed by the Baby's Body
- Parents should supplement calcium along with vitamin D and vitamin K to better support the baby's absorption.
- Parents should encourage the baby to be more active to facilitate the effective metabolism of calcium, avoiding deposits in the kidneys.
- Parents need to be mindful when supplementing calcium and other trace elements such as iron, zinc, phosphorus, etc., and should consult with a doctor about the timing of supplementation throughout the day to avoid interactions and competition for absorption.
Risks of Incorrect Calcium Supplementation for Babies Under 1 Year
The issue of calcium toxicity due to incorrect calcium supplementation for babies under 1 year is also of great concern. Parents should also pay attention to some warning signs of improper calcium supplementation:
- Baby urinates more than usual. Additionally, the baby is often thirsty and wants to drink water.
- Dry lips and dry skin.
- The baby is more tired, sleeps more, and is less active than usual.
- The baby experiences abnormal digestive disorders such as vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.
If a child under 1 year experiences the above issues during calcium supplementation, parents should immediately consider excessive calcium supplementation or toxicity. The solution to this problem is for parents to monitor and consult with a doctor about the daily calcium supplementation dosage for the child. During the consumption of calcium products, especially when using calcium syrups or liquids, you should take the correct prescribed dosage. If any abnormal issues arise, parents should promptly take the baby to see a doctor.
Criteria for Choosing Calcium for Children Under 1 Year
Choosing the type of calcium for children under 1 year is crucial as it is a period of rapid growth and requires a lot of nutrients to support this development. Here are important criteria to consider when choosing calcium for children under 1 year:
Criteria for Choosing Calcium for Babies Under 1 Year
- Naturally sourced calcium: Calcium from food sources is best for infants as it helps avoid potential side effects that may occur when using products containing artificial calcium.
Calcium products supplemented with vitamin D: Vitamin D enhances calcium absorption, so choose calcium with added vitamin D to boost absorption. Administering vitamin D to infants is crucial to support healthy bone development. - Appropriate dosage of calcium: Children under 1 year need about 200-260mg of calcium per day, so choose a calcium type with an appropriate dosage to meet the nutritional needs of the child.
- Soluble calcium: Easily soluble calcium for better absorption and utilization by the child.
- Low sugar content: Avoid products with high sugar content as they can be harmful to the child's teeth.
- Choose a reputable brand: Select calcium from reputable brands with clear origins to ensure product quality.
So, we've explored the calcium issues for babies under 1 year together. This is the golden period for parents to supplement calcium for their child, ensuring a healthy height in the future. Hopefully, the above knowledge is helpful for parents.
