Calcium deficiency can lead to irritability,
jitteriness, tremors and convulsions in newborn babies. It can also
be seen in older infants and preschool children in
association with Vitamin D deficiency. Pregnant and lactating
mothers must have adequate amount of calcium and Vitamin D in their diets to prevent problems associated with calcium
deficiency. Artificially fed children are more prone to develop calcium deficiency. The high phosphate content
of non-human milk depresses the level of calcium in the blood. Though rare in breastfed infants, calcium
deficiency can occur in such infants whose mothers are deficient in calcium and Vitamin D.
PEVENTION: Exposure of infants and mothers to adequate sunlight can help in prevention of this condition.
Also see Rickets.
7 March, 2016