Calcium is an essential mineral responsible for the normal formation and functioning of the heart, nerves, bone, muscles, and teeth (1). And, calcium deficiency in babies, termed hypocalcemia, might lead to complications in the growth and development of infants. Read more about the types, causes, symptoms, and treatment of hypocalcemia in babies.
Types Of Hypocalcemia
Hypocalcemia is characterized by lower levels of calcium in the circulating blood. It is termed neonatal hypocalcemia in babies. Your baby can get it due to different causes and at different times. Neonatal hypocalcemia is classified into two types (2): Early hypocalcemia It happens in the first two to three days of a baby’s life and is most likely curable. Late hypocalcemia It starts in the first week or a few weeks after the baby’s birth and is less likely to disappear.
Causes Of Calcium Deficiency In Babies
A lack of adequate calcium in the diet can lead to calcium deficiency in adults. For babies, the causes can include the following (1) (3):
Low oxygen availability during childbirth Maternal diabetes Certain medicines such as Gentamicin Feeding your baby formula milk or cow’s milk with excessive phosphate. Vitamin D deficiencies since vitamin D promotes calcium absorption in the body.
Certain infections Stress due to some severe illnesses Rare reasons such as DiGeorge Syndrome (DGS), a defect in chromosome no. 22. Congenital hypothyroidism Low vitamin D or calcium in the mother Premature babies Underactive parathyroid glands Low magnesium levels Babies with kidney failure
Symptoms Of Calcium Deficiency In Babies
Babies exhibit several symptoms while suffering from calcium deficiency, which includes (1) (3)
Irritability Insomnia Muscle cramps Muscle aches Jitteriness Tremors Poor feeding Lethargy Twitching Jerking movements of limbs Lowered heart rate Low blood pressure Seizures due to a reduction in oxygen supply to the brain
Treating Calcium Deficiency In Neonates
Early hypocalcemia usually resolves by itself without any intervention. However, in some cases, babies with late hypocalcemia may need calcium supplements in their feedings or via intravenous administration (IV) (3). Blood tests may be taken to determine the infant’s nutritional status. Then, the IV fluids administered may be tweaked accordingly to meet the infant’s needs in terms of essential nutrients such as magnesium, potassium, sodium, and calcium (4).
Food made of milk, such as cheese, yogurt, and puddings Calcium-fortified bread and juice Canned fish, such as sardines, salmon, and anchovies Green leafy vegetables, including spinach, kale, and turnip greens
