Whether twelve-year-old children need zinc supplements depends on the actual situation. Twelve-year-olds who are not deficient in zinc do not need to take zinc supplements; if they are more deficient in zinc, they can take zinc supplements as prescribed by their doctor.
If a 12-year-old child is not deficient in zinc, he or she does not need to take zinc supplements and should eat a normal diet. However, he or she should ensure that his or her nutrition is well balanced, and should not be picky about what he or she eats, in order to prevent nutritional deficiencies in his or her body.
If a 12-year-old child is found to be deficient in zinc during a physical examination, he or she can take medication to supplement the zinc deficiency, such as zinc gluconate oral solution. He or she also needs to adjust his or her daily diet and consume more zinc-containing foods, such as beef and oysters, in the right amount. Foods that children are allergic to should be avoided.
It is advisable to consult a doctor to determine whether a child is zinc deficient. If your child has a zinc deficiency and needs to use zinc supplements, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions and not use the medication without authorization!