While calcium and vitamin D are essential nutrients, a low calcium and vitamin D diet may be advisable if your toddler has abnormally high blood calcium levels, called hypercalcemia. This disorder is caused by a variety of health conditions. Not all cases of hypercalcemia benefit from a low calcium and vitamin D diet, so only provide this for your child if the doctor tells you to.
Calcium
Dairy products are a primary source of calcium for children, so you'll need to limit the amount of dairy foods your toddler eats to provide a hypercalcemia diet. Restrict the child's intake of milk, all types of cheese, yogurt and ice cream to one or two small servings per day, advises the University of Minnesota Amplatz Children's Hospital. In addition, don't serve foods or beverages with added calcium. Some brands of orange juice, for instance, are fortified with this mineral.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D boosts calcium absorption, so your child's pediatrician may instruct you to limit his intake of this nutrient as well. In addition to dairy foods, many breakfast cereals are fortified with vitamin D. So are some brands of margarine and orange juice. Natural sources of vitamin D include oily fish such as salmon and tuna, beef liver and egg yolks.
Medications and Supplements
Your toddler won't be able to take any vitamin supplements that contain calcium or vitamin D while on this diet. In addition, some over-the-counter medications, such as antacids, contain calcium. Read labels of any other medications or herbal supplements your child receives to avoid additional calcium or vitamin D in the diet.
Additional Guidelines
The University of Minnesota Amplatz Children's Hospital offers additional guidelines for a pediatric hypercalcemic diet. Children with this condition need to drink plenty of fluid each day, but the recommended amount varies with the child's size and age. Don't restrict her salt intake. In addition, encourage your child to be as active as the doctor recommends.
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