Serum Calcium, Inorganic Phos phorus and Magnesium levels in Malnourished pre-school Children.

Abstract

Summary: The serum levels of calcium, inorganic phosphorus and magnesium in 50 pre-school age children presenting with protein energy malnutrition (PEM) were compared with those of 50 sex and age-matched well nourished controls. There was no difference in the mean serum levels of inorganic phosphorus between the malnourished (1.38 +0.45 mino1/1) and the well nourished (1.27 +0.29mmol/1) children. The mean serum calcium and magnesium levels in the malnourished children (1.66 +0.31 and 1.03 + 0.30mmo1/1, respectively) were however, significantly lower than those (2.17 +0.29 and 1.31 + 0.21mmol/l, respectively) in the controls (p<0.02). Asymptomatic hypocalcaemia was found in 12 percent of the controls. It is recommended that calcium and mag nesium supplementation be incorporated into the management of children with PEM. There should also be nutritional education directed at improving the con sumption of locally available food items that are rich sources of these elements.