This is an automatically translated article.
Zinc plays a very important role in the physical and intellectual development of children. Stunting and growth retardation are signs of a zinc deficiency. Early recognition of zinc deficiency in children is the best way to protect their health.
1. The role of zinc in the development of children
Although zinc only accounts for a small part in the body, it is a micronutrient that plays a very important biological role in human health, especially in children. Zinc is a component of more than 300 different enzymes, an indispensable catalyst of RNA-polymerase in the process of cellular DNA replication. This is an important function in the growth process in children.Zinc plays both a structural role and is involved in maintaining the function of many important organs. In addition, this is also a trace element that helps maintain high concentration in the brain. When a baby lacks zinc, it can lead to neurological disorders.
Another important role of zinc is to participate in the regulation of the function of the endocrine system and is present in the composition of many hormones such as pituitary, adrenal, and gonadal hormones... harmonize activities inside and outside the body.
2. What are the harmful effects of zinc deficiency in children?
Symptoms of zinc deficiency in children are often easy to recognize, so parents should pay attention to the following signs of zinc deficiency:
Children have signs of malnutrition, slow growth, and stunted growth compared to children. peers. Children with zinc deficiency have anorexia, decreased appetite, reduced suckling, no meat and fish, slow digestion, constipation, persistent nausea and vomiting. Children often have trouble sleeping at night, waking up many times while sleeping. Psychomotor retardation, possibly even impaired brain activity, paranoia, disturbances in taste, smell, daydreaming, cerebral palsy, etc. Reinfection of diseases such as respiratory tract infections, diabetes digestion, dermatitis, blistering burns, pustules, mucositis. Slow wound healing, allergies, brittle hair, weak brittle nails.
Trẻ bị thiếu kẽm sẽ hay tái nhiễm các bệnh như viêm đường hô hấp, biếng ăn, chậm tiêu hóa,...
3. How to overcome zinc deficiency in children?
According to WHO recommendations, the need for zinc in children varies by age, specifically as follows:
Children under 3 months of age: 3 mg of zinc/day Children from 5 to 12 months of age: 5 - 8 mg /day Children from 1 year old to 10 years old need to meet 10-15 mg of zinc per day to develop optimal height and physical strength. For children under 6 months of age: The best source of zinc is breast milk. However, the amount of zinc present in breast milk will gradually decrease over time, so the mother needs to maintain breastfeeding, and at the same time add zinc to the baby, to avoid the case of zinc deficiency.
For children from 6 months and older: Parents should supplement zinc through foods. To enhance absorption when children lack zinc anorexia, parents should supplement vitamin C for children. Vitamin C has the ability to improve absorption efficiency, promote the effect of zinc and vice versa. Please supplement your children with fresh fruits that are naturally rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, tangerines, lemons, grapefruits... Besides, children also need to add lysine, micro-minerals and essential vitamins such as: Zinc, chromium, selenium, and B vitamins help to fully meet nutrient needs, support digestion, enhance nutrient absorption, improve anorexia, and help children eat well.
For more nutritional knowledge and child care for each age, parents should regularly visit the website vimec.com and make an appointment with the leading doctors, pediatric and nutrition experts of the National General Hospital. Vinmec when needing advice on children's health.
