"Which Season Is Most Conducive for Children to Take Calcium Supplements?"

Calcium Supplementation for Children

Calcium supplementation has always been a topic of concern, especially for children, who are the primary focus of parents' attention. Among the four seasons, autumn and winter are considered the optimal periods for calcium supplementation. During these seasons, parents can encourage their children to consume more foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, engage in outdoor activities, and spend time in the sun to enhance calcium absorption. Additionally, calcium supplements can also be administered to children.

Best Seasons for Calcium Supplementation in Children

Autumn and winter are the ideal times for babies to receive calcium supplementation. During these seasons, mothers should include calcium-rich foods in their babies' diets, such as bone broth, to ensure adequate calcium intake. Alongside calcium, it's crucial to provide foods rich in vitamin D or encourage sun exposure, as vitamin D aids in calcium absorption and utilization.

Methods of Calcium Supplementation for Children

1. Direct and Indirect Supplementation: Calcium supplements directly provide calcium, while fish oil and AD drops containing VD indirectly promote calcium absorption.

2. Direct Methods: Organic and inorganic calcium forms exist. Organic calcium is gently absorbed and suitable for infants. Inorganic calcium absorption relies on stomach acid, which may be inadequate in one-year-olds, making it less suitable. Common organic calcium types include calcium lactate, amino acid chelated calcium, calcium gluconate, calcium citrate, and milk calcium. Inorganic calcium types include calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, and activated calcium (derived from shellfish shells, which can be irritating and is not recommended).

3. Indirect Methods: Fish oil and AD drops are options. Fish oil, with relatively low VD content, is suitable for mild calcium deficiency. AD drops, with higher VD content, are suitable for severe cases, but caution must be taken to avoid vitamin overdose.

Importance of Calcium Supplementation in Children

1. Vital Distribution: 1% of calcium is distributed in blood, intercellular fluid, and soft tissues. Maintaining blood calcium levels is crucial for normal life activities, sourced from dietary absorption and bone reserves.

2. Tissue Elasticity: Calcium deficiency reduces tissue elasticity, leading to sagging skin, premature aging, myopia, presbyopia, and vascular hardening.

3. Nervous System Calmness: Calcium acts as a natural sedative, reducing neuronal excitability. Deficiency can cause migraines, irritability, insomnia, night terrors, crying, and hyperactivity.

4. Neural Transmission: Calcium facilitates neurotransmitter production and release, promoting neurological development.

5. Muscular and Neural Excitability: High blood calcium inhibits muscular and neural excitability, while low levels (below 70mg/L) increase excitability, causing convulsions.

6. Cell and Capillary Permeability: Calcium regulates these processes, and deficiency can lead to allergies and edema.

7. Enzyme Activation: Calcium promotes various enzymatic activities within the body.

8. Acid-Base Balance: Calcium maintains the body's pH balance.

9. Blood Coagulation: Calcium is essential in the complex coagulation process, activating thrombinogen into active thrombin.