The main function of Centrum calcium tablets is to supplement the necessary calcium in the human body. Calcium is a coagulation factor that can reduce the excitability of nerves and muscles, and it is the main component of bones and teeth. Calcium supplementation is very important for the growth of infants and young children. Here are some specific methods to help with calcium supplementation:

Methods for Calcium Supplementation

1. It is better to take the same dose of calcium in multiple small doses rather than a large single dose. Depending on the physical condition of the baby, it is advisable to limit each calcium supplement to no more than 200 milligrams.

2. It is best to take calcium supplements alone and avoid taking them simultaneously with milk, root vegetables, and zinc or iron supplements. Proteins in milk can bind with calcium to form milk clots, preventing calcium absorption. Excessive intake of oxalic acid in food can also affect calcium absorption. The absorption of calcium in the body competes with the absorption of zinc and iron, so taking them together can not only inhibit the absorption of zinc and iron but also interfere with the absorption of calcium itself. Therefore, it is best to take calcium supplements alone. If other elements need to be supplemented, it is recommended to stagger the timing, with an interval of at least 2 hours.

3. Calcium absorption is better before bedtime. At night, when sleeping, gastrointestinal motility is slower, and food stays longer in the gastrointestinal tract, which is conducive to calcium absorption. Blood calcium levels are generally higher during the day and lower at night. Low blood calcium levels at night, especially in the middle of the night and early morning, can stimulate the secretion of parathyroid hormone, accelerate bone calcium breakdown, cause decalcification, and lead to hypocalcemia, which can severely cause convulsions in the human body. Taking calcium before bedtime can provide a calcium source for nighttime calcium regulation and block the mobilization of bone calcium from the body. Additionally, calcium is related to the stability of the autonomic nervous system and has a sedative and hypnotic effect.

4. Vitamin D must be supplemented when taking calcium. The absorption of calcium requires vitamin D, and the metabolic balance of calcium is also influenced by vitamin D. You can choose to take cod liver oil (vitamin AD) or vitamin D3 preparations, or you can promote the conversion of a type of cholesterol in the skin into vitamin D through sun exposure. The Chinese Nutrition Association recommends a daily intake of 400-800 IU of vitamin D based on the nutritional needs of infants and young children. Different calcium supplements contain different amounts of calcium. Calcium carbonate contains approximately 40% calcium, calcium acetate 29%, calcium citrate 21%, calcium hydrogen phosphate 15%, calcium lactate 13%, and calcium gluconate 9%. Studies have shown that there is not much difference in the pure absorption of single calcium supplements in the body. Calcium carbonate has the highest calcium content, but its absorption requires more gastric acid, which can easily cause indigestion in babies. Calcium lactate and calcium gluconate are organic calcium sources that are easily soluble and suitable for calcium supplementation in children.