How to supplement calcium in children with cow's milk allergy

Why special attention is needed

Milk and dairy products are the main source of calcium in the daily diet. Children diagnosed with cow's milk allergy who need to avoid it may have low calcium intake if their replacement plan is not arranged properly, which can affect bone development in the long term. So allergen avoidance and good nutrition must be considered together.

Directions you can adjust

• Use a replacement formula recommended by a doctor; its nutritional balance is usually specially designed
• If not allergic, get calcium from other foods, such as soy products, dark green vegetables, and some fortified foods
• Vitamin D supplements should follow your doctor's or child health advice; do not decide the dose and form yourself
• Regularly monitor height, weight and growth curves, and assess bone metabolism markers if needed

Two things not to do

First, do not buy calcium products on your own and give them to your child long term; the dose and form should be decided by a doctor. Second, do not give up avoidance because you worry about poor nutrition, as this can cause allergy symptoms to come back. The right approach is to let doctors and nutrition professionals arrange the diet plan, nutritional supplements and follow-up monitoring together, while parents keep accurate records and carry out the plan.

This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Please follow your doctor's instructions.