Meant *not* overthinking it

Thanks all for your advice and experiences! It’s good to know I’m crazy and fully over thinking it. I appreciate all the feedback and tips!

Anonymous wrote:How much calcium does he get in a day? Figure it out and see if it meets his needs - this is based on numbers not a “feeling”

Actually, this is pretty hard to calculate. A cup of spinach has about the same amount of calcium as a cup of milk, but only 1/10th as much is actually absorbed on average (because of the presence of oxalic acid).

My DH is a ped and he agrees with the 1 glass of fortified OJ advice. One of the main roles of vitamin D is to aid calcium absorption. There is a fair amount of evidence that consuming them together does actually make a difference in absorption rates (hence why milk has historically been vitamin D fortified), though it is hard to study. Also, the acid in OJ may prevent the acid rebound effect you often see with calcium carbonate. Basically, OJ is an excellent vehicle for calcium supplementation and most kids like it or at least tolerate it well.

How much calcium does he get in a day? Figure it out and see if it meets his needs - this is based on numbers not a “feeling”

We have one kid who eats almost no dairy and the pediatrician recommended one glass of calcium and vitamin D fortified OJ each morning. She said it was the only circumstance in which she recommends juice for kids.

It was a long time ago but I believe it was through a blood test. She was an infant so it was in a toe.

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think there are symptoms. My DD doesn’t get enough calcium (she is also dairy-free), and there isn’t some glaring obvious symptom.

Thank you for these and the advice! Op here. How did you know that she wasn’t getting enough and how do you know if supplements are needed? Also, to the PP who said the bone aches were occurring (I’m so sorry to hear that but glad it’s resolved)- how old was your DC and how did you figure it out? My DC is 3 and is hard to gauge the “leg pain” which is usually only in one leg.

I don’t think there are symptoms. My DD doesn’t get enough calcium (she is also dairy-free), and there isn’t some glaring obvious symptom.

You’re right to not trust the doctor. One of our kids is in the same situation and supplements fixed the bone aches. Doctors don’t know much about nutrition, especially when people need special diets.

Thanks for your replies. The only other diet restriction he has is gluten but otherwise isn’t a picky eater and has a somewhat varied diet.

Look for fortified foods. OJ and most non dairy (soy, almond, etc) beverages are fortified with calcium. Chia seeds are another source. Add to some to oatmeal, smoothies, pudding. Sesame seeds are a pretty good source too, and of course almonds.

Anonymous wrote:If his diet is otherwise balanced, this should not be an issue. You should be more concerned about a Vitamin D deficiency.

Thanks for your response! We give him 800 iui of D3 everyday.

If his diet is otherwise balanced, this should not be an issue. You should be more concerned about a Vitamin D deficiency.

My child, almost 4, has a dairy allergy so doesn’t get a slot of calcium. I am always worried he’s not getting enough calcium. There been a few time he’s woke at night with leg pain and DR said is likely growing pains. I can’t help but be concerned with low calcium. Are there any symptoms? How do you diagnose low calcium?