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Children lacking essential micronutrients leading to weak health and growth retardation is not a new story. However, not all parents are aware of this issue. In fact, up to 70% of Vietnamese children are zinc deficient.Video content is professionally consulted by Doctor, Doctor Ho Thu Mai - Department of Examination - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital
1. The situation of zinc deficiency in children in Vietnam and its sad consequences According to the results of the 2019 Nutrition Census of the Institute of Nutrition, the rate of zinc deficiency in children aged 6-59 months is 58%. . One of the roles of zinc is to participate in the growth process, so providing adequate zinc for children during this period is very important for children's growth.
Zinc deficiency leads to:
The immune system lacks protection, children often get sick, especially digestive and respiratory diseases. Not only that, zinc deficiency can cause anorexia and malnutrition in young children. Zinc deficiency also causes children to have dry skin, brittle hair, and slow healing of wounds. 2. Main causes of zinc deficiency in children Some of the main causes of zinc deficiency in children include:
Children are malnourished, especially stunting; Low amount of zinc in the diet: Because children are not breastfed, supplemented early and inappropriately, do not have a variety of foods and lack protein. Anemia: Zinc and iron have almost the same distribution and origin in foods. The factors that affect the digestion and absorption of iron and zinc are similar. Chronic infections or congenital diseases related to zinc absorption and metabolism. 3. Any solution for zinc-deficient children To prevent zinc-deficiency children, parents need:
Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months and lasting until 18-24 months of age; Supplementing at the right age with suitable foods to ensure adequate nutrition, especially food of animal origin such as meat, fish, eggs, milk... Treatment of infectious diseases and other accompanying diseases ; Zinc supplementation for children when blood tests show zinc deficiency or diarrhea. Zinc is an important micronutrient in the early development of children, especially children under 5 years old. Combining flexibly using zinc sources, encouraging children to be active will help your children get rid of anorexia, short stature, low weight.
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