Zinc is an essential element for the growth and development of infants and children, and is even more important for the growth and intellectual development of little ones. Zinc helps improve appetite and contributes to healthy skin. Zinc is mainly found in seafood and animal offal, with oysters containing the highest amount of zinc.
Symptoms of zinc deficiency in infants and children.
Poor appetite or anorexia, reduced phosphatase in saliva, reduced taste bud function.
Delayed growth and development, short stature, wasting, and edema of lower limbs. Feng Yi, Department of Pediatrics, Ying Shanhe, Wuxi Eighth People’s Hospital
Slow intellectual development, delayed motor and language development.
Reduced immune function, prone to respiratory infections and diarrhea.
Heterophagia, preferring to eat inedible things such as mud, matchsticks, cinders, and paper scraps.
Recurrent mouth ulcers, thin yellow hair and lack of luster
Benefits of zinc supplementation for infants and children.
Improves digestive function: The metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates in the human body cannot be achieved without the participation of enzymes, of which there are many, and many of which cannot be achieved without zinc. As far as we know, zinc is related to the activity of nearly 300 enzymes in the body, and zinc can promote the activity of many enzymes in the body and improve the digestive function of babies.
Promote growth and development: Zinc is very important for infants and children in the growth and development period. Zinc is widely involved in the metabolism of nucleic acids and proteins, speeding up cell division and keeping cell metabolism at a high level, thus promoting the growth and development of babies.
Enhances immune function: Zinc improves the immune function of cells and enhances the phagocytic ability of macrophages, thus playing a bactericidal role and increasing resistance.
Promote intellectual development: Zinc can promote brain cell development and division, thus laying a solid material foundation for children’s intellectual development. Proper supplementation of zinc can strengthen memory function and reaction ability.
Dietary Nutrient Reference Intake of Zinc for Chinese Residents (2000 version)
0-6 months: 1.5mg
7 months-12 months: 8.0mg
1-3 years old: 9.0mg
4-6 years old: 12.0mg
7-9 years old: 13.5mg
10-14 years old: Male 18.0mg Female 15.0mg
14-17 years old: Male 19.0mg Female 15.0mg
18-49 years old: male 15.0mg female 11.5mg
50 years old and above: 11.5mg
Data source:Chinese Medical Association, Pediatrics Branch, Child Health Group, Recommendations for Prevention and Treatment of Micronutrient Deficiency in Children 2010.48,502-509