Blind zinc supplementation is not recommended for small children, so there is no question of when it is best to take it. If your child does have a zinc deficiency, take a supplement as prescribed by your doctor.
1. Common causes of zinc deficiency include:
(1) Vegetarian diet and insufficient intake of animal foods: plant foods contain less zinc, while animal foods are not only rich in zinc but also easy to absorb.
(2) Intestinal absorption disorders: diarrhea due to various reasons can hinder the absorption of zinc.
(3) Consumption of more cereals: Cereals contain a lot of phytic acid and crude fiber, which can combine with zinc and prevent its absorption.
2. Zinc supplementation should be strengthened in the following cases:
(1) Supplementation during the infantile stage of a child’s rapid growth and development.
(2) During tissue repair after a child has had a disease.
(3) When the child is malnourished or recovering from malnutrition.
In summary, whether a child needs zinc supplementation should be evaluated by a doctor and supplementation should be prescribed by a doctor. Zinc supplements should not be taken blindly, and too much zinc can damage your child’s health.