How low calcium levels can affect babies

Low calcium doesn’t just effect older people. Neonatal hypocalcemia can take place when a baby is only a few hours old. This condition is usually picked up within the first 48 hours after birth. However, some babies suffer from hypocalcaemia can occur three days after birth or even longer.

Some key indicators for neonatal hypocalcemia include small birth weight and diabetes in the mother. Some of the symptoms include:

• jitteriness
• poor feeding
• seizures
• apnea, or slowed breathing
• tachycardia, or a faster-than-normal heartbeat

Hypocalcaemia can also crop up later if the baby consumes cow’s milk or formula which contains too much phosphate.

Blood tests will be carried out to make a correct diagnosis. The ionized calcium level will be read and glucose levels will also be checked to test for hypoglycemia.

Babies will be often treated by an intravenous calcium gluconate followed by several days of oral calcium supplements.

How is calcium deficiency disease treated in adults?

Calcium deficiency – while dangerous if left untreated – is usually very simple to rectify. You will be advised on a calcium-rich diet, and in some cases, be advised to take calcium supplements with amounts prescribed by your doctor. Be careful to follow the guidelines – overdosing on calcium can lead to eaqually nasty things like kidney stones, and can even be fatal.

Commonly recommended calcium supplements include:

• calcium carbonate, which is the least expensive and has the most elemental calcium
• calcium citrate, which is the most easily absorbed
• calcium phosphate, which is also easily absorbed and does not cause constipation

Calcium supplements are available in liquid, tablet, and chewable forms.

It is important to note that some medications could interact negatively with calcium supplements. These medications include beta blockers, bile acid sequestrants such as colestipol and estrogen medications, which can contribute to an increase in calcium blood levels.