Calcium Deficiency In Babies - Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

Minor deficiencies may resolve independently, but severe ones may require supplementation.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Neema Shrestha, MD Dr. Neema Shrestha Dr. Neema ShresthaMD MomJunction on FacebookFollow MomJunction on LinkedinFollow MomJunction on Instagram Specialty: Neonatology and PediatricsExperience: 5 years
Written by , BE Jessica Albert BE Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Baby Growth and DevelopmentExperience: 2 years
Edited by , M.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA Swati Patwal M.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Food, Nutrition and HealthExperience: 10 years
Fact-checked by , MSc (Biotechnology) Vidya Tadapatri MSc (Biotechnology) Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Health and WellnessExperience: 5 years
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Baby Crying Without Having Milk

Image: ShutterStock

Calcium is an essential mineral responsible for the normal formation and functioning of the heart, nerves, bone, muscles, and teeth development (1). And, calcium deficiency in babies, termed hypocalcemia, might lead to complications in the growth and bone development of infants. Read more about the types, causes, symptoms, and treatment of hypocalcemia in babies.

In This Article

Key Pointers

  • Low oxygen availability during childbirth, maternal diabetes, excessive phosphate consumption from milk, and vitamin D deficiency can cause hypocalcemia.
  • Symptoms include irritability, insomnia, poor feeding, lethargy, twitching, jerking movements, lowered heart rate, low blood pressure, and seizures.
  • Early hypocalcemia can resolve on its own, but late hypocalcemia requires treatment with calcium supplements.
  • Calcium-fortified bread and juice, canned fish, green leafy vegetables, and milk products can help increase calcium levels in the baby.

Types Of Hypocalcemia

Hypocalcemia is characterized by lower levels of calcium in the circulating blood. It is termed neonatal hypocalcemia in babies. Your baby can get it due to different causes and at different times. Neonatal hypocalcemia is classified into two types (2):

Early hypocalcemia

It happens in the first two to three days of a baby’s life and is most likely curable.

Late hypocalcemia

It starts in the first week or a few weeks after the baby’s birth and is less likely to disappear.

Causes Of Calcium Deficiency In Babies

Maternal diabetes can cause calcium deficieny in infants

Image: IStock

A lack of adequate calcium in the diet can lead to calcium deficiency in adults. For babies, the causes can include the following (1) (3):

  • Low oxygen availability during childbirth
  • Maternal diabetes
  • Poor nutrition during pregnancy
  • Certain medicines such as Gentamicin
  • Feeding your baby formula milk or cow’s milk with excessive phosphate.
  • Vitamin D deficiencies since vitamin D promotes calcium absorption in the body.
protip_icon Point to consider
Magnesium and calcium are co-dependent for absorption and excretion. Hence, magnesium deficiency can cause low calcium levels (2).
  • Certain infections
  • Stress due to some severe illnesses
  • Rare reasons such as DiGeorge Syndrome (DGS), a defect in chromosome no. 22.
  • Congenital hypothyroidismiA condition in which the thyroid gland is absent or partially developed, causing low levels of thyroid hormone. in babies
  • Low vitamin D or calcium in the mother
  • Premature babies
  • Underactive parathyroid glandsiLow production of parathyroid hormone causing decreased blood calcium levels and increased phosphorus levels in the body.
  • Low magnesium levels
  • Babies with kidney problems that can lead to kidney failure

protip_icon Things to know
Babies with slower than normal fetal growth may be more likely to have severe hypocalcemia (3).

Symptoms Of Calcium Deficiency In Babies

Insomnia can indicate calcium deficiency in babies

Image: IStock

Babies exhibit several symptoms while suffering from calcium deficiency, which includes (1) (3)

  • Irritability
  • Insomnia
  • Muscle cramps
  • Muscle aches
  • Jitteriness
  • Tremors
  • Poor feeding
  • Lethargy
  • Twitching
  • Jerking movements of limbs
  • Lowered heart rate
  • Low blood pressure
  • Seizures or convulsions due to a reduction in oxygen supply to the brain

Treating Calcium Deficiency In Neonates

Give calcium supplements to the baby via IV administration

Image: Shutterstock

Early hypocalcemia usually resolves by itself without any intervention. However, in some cases, babies with late hypocalcemia may need calcium supplements in their feedings or via intravenous administration (IV) (3).

protip_icon Quick fact
Calcium gluconate, a readily absorbable form of calcium, may be used for oral or IV administration in neonates (4).

Blood tests may be taken to determine the infant’s nutritional status. Then, the IV fluids administered may be tweaked accordingly to meet the infant’s needs in terms of essential nutrients such as magnesium, potassium, sodium, and calcium (4).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I give my baby more calcium?

To ensure your baby gets enough calcium, you can include calcium-rich foods in your diet while breastfeeding. Once your baby is ready to eat solid foods, you can add these calcium-rich options to their diet (5):

  • Dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, and puddings
  • Calcium-fortified foods like bread and juice
  • Canned fish, such as sardines, salmon, and anchovies
  • Green leafy vegetables, including spinach, kale, and turnip greens

2. Which fruits are rich in calcium?

Not many fruits can be considered rich sources of calcium. Give your child calcium-fortified fruit juices to offer them the benefits of calcium (6).

3. Is banana rich in calcium?

Banana contains 12mg of calcium per 100g serving. Thus, it cannot be considered a rich source of calcium. However, it can help your child develop strong bones and muscles (7).

It is essential to consume calcium-rich foods during pregnancy to promote musculoskeletaliThe combination of bones, muscles, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and their connective tissues. and nervous system health. Insufficient calcium during these critical periods may increase the risk of calcium deficiency in babies, potentially affecting their growth and overall health. Milk and milk products such as yogurt, kefir, and cheese are rich sources of calcium. Oranges, bok choy, dates, broccoli, almonds, tofu, dried figs, kale, and oatmeal are other calcium-rich foods you can incorporate into your pregnancy diet. You may take calcium supplements as per your doctor’s recommendations during pregnancy and breastfeeding even though calcium-rich foods are consumed. Not consuming enough calcium can also increase your risk of developing osteoporosisiA condition that weakens bones, increasing the chance of sudden, unsuspected bone fractures. later.

Infographic: How To Know A Baby Has Calcium Deficiency?

Maternal diabetes, certain medicines, low oxygen levels, infections or certain illnesses may cause calcium deficiency in babies. Though some babies with hypocalcemia may not show any symptoms, others may exhibit signs indicating a calcium deficiency. The infographic below helps to understand such signs and symptoms so that remedial measures may be taken at the earliest.

signs of calcium deficiency in babies (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Illustration: Calcium Deficiency In Babies - Causes Symptoms & Treatments

Calcium Deficiency In Babies_illustration

Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
  1. Low calcium level – infants.
    https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007229.htm
  2. Hypocalcemia in the Newborn.
    https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=hypocalcemia-90-P02376#:~:text=Hypocalcemia%20is%20more%20common%20inless%20calcium%20crossed%20the%20placenta
  3. Hypocalcemia in the Newborn.
    https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=90&contentid=p02376
  4. Hypocalcemia.
    https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions-and-treatments/conditions/h/hypocalcemia
  5. Calcium: The Teen Bone Builder.
    https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/nutrition/Pages/calcium-the-bone-builder-kids-and-teens-need.aspx
  6. 22 Calcium-Rich Foods
    https://health.clevelandclinic.org/calcium-rich-foods/
  7. Calcium Content Of Common Foods
    https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/patients/prevention/calcium-content-of-common-foods

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Dr. Neema Shrestha
Dr. Neema ShresthaMD
Dr. Neema Shrestha is a pediatrician with a special interest in the field of neonatology. She has an overall experience of five years working in the field. Currently working in Kathmandu, Nepal, she completed her MBBS from Kasturba Medical College, Manipal in 2008, Diploma in Child Health from D.

Read full bio of Dr. Neema Shrestha
Jessica Albert
Jessica AlbertBE
Jessica Albert is a passionate writer who seeks to connect with her readers through wit and charm. Her work aims to invoke curiosity and keep the readers engaged through and through. She has two years of experience working with magazines and e-commerce establishments as a content marketer and editor.

Read full bio of Jessica Albert
Swati Patwal
Swati PatwalM.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA
Swati Patwal is a clinical nutritionist, a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and a toddler mom with more than a decade of experience in diverse fields of nutrition. She started her career as a CSR project coordinator for a healthy eating and active lifestyle project catering to school children.

Read full bio of Swati Patwal
Vidya Tadapatri
Vidya TadapatriMSc (Biotechnology)
Vidya did her post-graduation in Biotechnology from Osmania University, Hyderabad. Her interest in scientific research and writing made her pursue a career in writing, in which she now has over five years of experience. She has done certified biotechnology-related training programs under renowned organizations such as Centre For Cellular & Molecular Biology and Department of Biotechnology.

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