An infant developing hypercalcemia and hypophosphatemia due to the use of exclusively almond milk.

OBJECTIVES: Plant-based milk alternatives are increasingly utilized in children with cow milk allergy, lactose intolerance, and personal preference. However, notable differences exist in mineral content between cow milk and plant-based alternatives. Almond milk, in particular, varies in mineral and caloric content across different brands. This case report highlights a toddler who developed hypercalcemia and hypophosphatemia attributed to almond milk consumption. CASE PRESENTATION: A fourteen-month-old girl with a history of biliary atresia underwent liver transplant at seven months of age. She was exclusively consuming almond milk for two months prior to presentation. She was admitted to the hospital for severe hypercalcemia (14.6 mg/dL) and hypophosphatemia (1.6 mg/dL). She had elevated random urine calcium to creatinine ratio (2.56 mg/g) and low urine phosphorus to creatinine ratio (<0.44 mg/g) were noted. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) level was appropriately suppressed (<6 pg/mL), while 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D level was slightly elevated at 88 pg/mL. Initial management included intravenous fluids, followed by a switch to a formula with higher phosphorus and lower calcium concentrations. The patient was discharged after six days with normalized calcium and phosphorus levels, which remained within the normal range. CONCLUSIONS: Although plant-derived milk serves as a viable alternative to cow milk, careful consideration of mineral content, particularly in infants and toddlers, is imperative. Sole reliance on almond milk for nutritional needs in this population is not recommended. Caregivers should be informed about the potential risks associated with almond milk consumption in infants and toddlers.

Bilateral Femoral Fracture in an Adolescent Male Due to Severe Vitamin D Deficiency.

PURPOSE/BACKGROUND: Mild to moderate vitamin D deficiency is common in pediatric patients in the U.S. Severe hypovitaminosis D has been linked to specific risk factors, such as female gender, obesity, winter season, darker skin, lack of exposure to the sun, and low vitamin D intake. It has been reported that adolescents usually experience less severe clinical symptoms than young children with vitamin D deficiency. We present a previously healthy 15-year-old Caucasian male with bilateral spontaneous femoral fracture due to severe hypovitaminosis rickets. He had unusual eating habits such as avoiding dairy, vegetables, and fruits. In addition to always preferring to eat alone due to anxiety. Patient is underweight with a BMI z score of -4.05 at time of presentation. Due to lack of interest in physical activities, the patient spent most of his time indoors. DESIGN/METHODS: This is a case report of a patient who presented to the children's hospital for further workup for bilateral spontaneous femoral fractures. FINDINGS/RESULTS: Laboratory work up revealed that his 25 hydoxy-vitamin D level was less than 4 ng/ml, calcium level was 5.7 mg/dl (8.4-10.5mg/dL), and phosphorus was 3.5 mg/dl (3.7-4.7 mg/dl). His intact parathyroid hormone was elevated at 555 pg/ml (14-95 pg/ml) and alkaline phosphatase was elevated at 777 U/L (91-339 U/L). A wrist x-ray showed widening of the distal radial and ulnar metaphyses with metaphyseal cupping. Further labs showed macrocytic anemia and severe vitamin B12 deficiency. Workup for malabsorption was negative. Patient underwent bilateral open hip reduction internal fixation. Hypovitaminosis D and hypocalcemia were treated with calcium carbonate and oral vitamin D3 supplements. His follow up laboratory evaluation showed normalization of his calcium, phosphorus, PTH, alkaline phosphatase, and vitamin D levels. Repeat wrist X-ray two months later revealed marked improvement in the appearance of the distal radial and ulnar growth plates and metaphyseal regions. CONCLUSIONS: This patient's vitamin D deficiency/rickets was found to be secondary to malnutrition due to limited intake, along with limited sunlight exposure. We recommend that a detailed dietary history is obtained in every adolescent patient to evaluate for proper vitamin D intake, especially in patients who are significantly underweight. If vitamin D deficiency is expected, vitamin D level should be checked and appropriate treatment should be initiated once vitamin D insufficiency is confirmed.