1 Bone density test in children
Bone density testing in children is an indicator of a child's bone health. The range of normal values for bone mineral density in children is usually compared to the average for children of the same age. If a child's bone density values are lower than the average for their peers, there is a risk of osteoporosis. In general, bone density testing is usually done for both types of babies [1]:
- One is a baby with a family history of osteoporosis or other bone diseases;
- The second is babies who are malnourished, have chronic diseases, or use certain drugs for a long time.
Currently, common methods of bone densitometry in children include ultrasound bone densitometry and X-ray absorptiometry [2].
Ultrasound bone densitometry
Ultrasonic bone densitometry is a noninvasive test that assesses bone density by measuring the speed of ultrasound transmission of bone. This method can be performed without exposing the child to radiation, but the results may be influenced by factors such as the child's age, height, sex, weight, etc. Therefore, ultrasound bone density measurement results need to be evaluated based on factors such as age, sex, and height of the child. In addition, this method is not suitable for assessing children whose bones are in the growth and development stage.
X-ray absorption measurement
X-ray absorption measurement is a method of assessing bone density by measuring the amount of X-rays absorbed into the bone. This method involves exposing the child to radiation, so there is a certain risk. However, this method can evaluate children whose bones are in the growth and development stage with high accuracy.
Because the baby is in the growth and development period, calcium will only precipitate if there are gaps in the bones. Therefore, compared with adults, the baby's bone density is not only normal, but also the performance of the baby at the peak of growth. Therefore, under normal circumstances, babies do not need bone density testing.
2 Symptoms of calcium deficiency in babies
- Night sweating: When your baby is deficient in calcium, he may sweat at night and sweat heavily.
- Difficulty teething: Teeth are made up of calcium and calcium phosphate, and when your baby is deficient in calcium, it may be difficult to teeth.
- Curvature of the legs: When your baby is deficient in calcium, he may have curvature of the legs. When standing, the knees may bend inward, which is called "O-legs".
- Like to bite fingers: When the baby is deficient in calcium, it may be manifested as liking to bite fingers, bites, etc.
- Decreased immunity: Calcium plays an important role in the development and function of the immune system. When your baby is deficient in calcium, it may lead to a decrease in immunity and make it easy to catch colds and get sick.
- Emotional instability: Calcium deficiency can also affect the development and function of the nervous system. When the baby is deficient in calcium, it may be manifested as emotional instability, irritability, crying, etc.
If the baby has the above symptoms, you should go to the hospital in time to determine whether the baby is deficient in calcium through the doctor's examination and evaluation, and formulate the corresponding treatment plan. At the same time, mom and dad should also pay attention to the baby's diet and nutritional intake, and provide the baby with sufficient calcium food, such as milk, beans, seafood, etc.
3 How to supplement with vitamin D
Vitamin D is very important for your baby's growth and development because it aids in the absorption and utilization of calcium and promotes healthy bone development.
Theoretically, only vitamin D requires additional supplementation
Vitamin A can be obtained from food through a sensible diet after being added to nursing mothers or complementary foods.
Only when the nursing mother cannot get it from food, and the baby cannot meet the intake of vitamin A from food, consider using vitamin AD combination and pure D to take it every other day.
The 2016 Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents in the Mainland[3] also pointed out that babies only need vitamin D supplementation, not calcium. Vitamin D supplementation is recommended for babies until at least 2 years of age; The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends adequate vitamin D400IU supplementation, even throughout childhood and adolescence. Here are some common ways to give your baby vitamin D:
Give your baby plenty of sun
Sunlight is an important source of vitamin D synthesis, so giving your baby more sun exposure is an effective way to supplement vitamin D. It is recommended that in the morning or evening, the sun should not be too long, about 15-30 minutes at a time. At the same time, exposure to strong sunlight should be avoided.
Give your baby vitamin D-rich foods
For example, fish, shrimp, egg yolks, liver, milk, soy products, etc., these foods are rich in vitamin D and can help babies supplement vitamin D.
Give your baby an oral vitamin D medication
If your baby is unable to supplement enough vitamin D through daily diet and sunlight, consider giving your baby an oral vitamin D medication. Generally, the doctor will give the appropriate vitamin D dosage and supplementation method according to the baby's age and physical condition.
It should be noted that when supplementing your baby with vitamin D, you should follow the doctor's advice and do not give your baby vitamin D oral drugs at will, so as not to overdose. At the same time, you should pay attention to the baby's diet and living habits, try to let the baby live in a sunny environment, ensure sufficient nutritional intake and exercise, and promote the healthy growth of the baby.
Resources
[1]
Significance and method of bone density detection in children: LIANG Hongzhen.
[2]
Progress in bone density detection in children: ZHENG Qiushi, HE Lian.
[3]
2016 Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents: http://dg.cnsoc.org/article/04/8a2389fd5520b4f30155b41b364b23df.html