Calcium Citrate in Children

Because calcium helps to build strong bones and teeth, many parents may want to supplement their child's diet with calcium. Calcium citrate is an easily absorbed form of calcium, and is a convenient way to get your child much-needed calcium. Dosage information varies depending on the age of the child, and also side effects do exist. Knowing how much and when to give calcium citrate to you child can help you make this supplement a regular part of his day.

Identification

• According to the National Cancer Institute, calcium citrate is the salt of calcium and is found naturally in food. Necessary for normal nerve, muscle and heart function, calcium citrate helps prevent bone loss. Along with calcium citrate, several forms of calcium exist, including carbonate, lactate and gluconate. According to the Mayo Clinic, the important thing to note when choosing a calcium supplement is to search for the amount of elemental calcium it contains. While calcium carbonate has more elemental calcium, calcium citrate doesn't require extra stomach acid for digestion. This makes it more convenient to take, as calcium citrate won't cause an upset stomach if taken without food.

Benefits for Children

• Dr. William Sears says that calcium is essential for promoting proper growth and good health. In addition, it lowers high phosphate levels, as it helps to aid in their removal from the body. Sears says that calcium acts as the cellular cement for bones, is used by the nerves and muscles and contributes to proper bone clotting.

Dosage Information

• Parents who choose to give their children calcium citrate should make sure they don't exceed the daily recommended dose. Sears says that infants need 400-600 milligrams, children need 800 milligrams and pre-teens and teenagers need 1200-1500 milligrams of calcium a day. If choosing calcium citrate, note how much elemental calcium the supplement of your choice has.

  Though calcium citrate doesn't interact negatively with stomach acid, try to give calcium citrate with a snack or meal, if possible. If your child misses a dose, do not give a double does the next day.

Considerations

• Separate calcium citrate with other medications, as it could affect absorption. According to Kids' Health from Nemours, the largest provider of children's health care, calcium citrate can decrease the effects of other medications by binding to them and changing the acidity of the stomach or urine. Don't give your child zinc, folic acid or iron within two hours of administering calcium citrate.

Warning

• Kids' Heath from Nemours says children should avoid calcium citrate if they have kidney stones, parathyroid disease or take a tetracycline antibiotic. Overdose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, constipation or decreased appetite. Consider switching to smaller, more frequent meals if you child suffers with vomiting or diarrhea, and add more liquids and regular exercise if a calcium citrate supplement causes constipation in your child.