This is an automatically translated article.
The article is professionally consulted by Resident Doctor, Master Dang Thi Ngoan - Pediatrician - Neonatologist - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Ha Long International General Hospital.According to studies by the Vietnam National Institute of Nutrition on national nutrition issues, nearly 70% of children under 5 years old in our country are deficient in zinc, even though this is a very important trace element for the health and well-being of children. child development. Zinc deficiency is an important cause of anorexia in children, malnutrition and stunting.
1. The situation of zinc deficiency in Vietnamese children
Zinc is a micronutrient needed for the growth and development of immune, digestive, endocrine as well as skeletal muscle functions, so a lack of zinc will lead to a decrease in energy consumption, resulting in a lack of cellular energy and many diseases. other nutrients. According to statistics on the status of zinc deficiency in children, for every 10 children under 5 years old in our country, up to 7 children are zinc deficient and 10 pregnant women have up to 8 zinc deficiency during pregnancy.
The cause of zinc deficiency is believed to be due to the lack of zinc-rich foods in the daily diet of Vietnamese people, poor quality meals, and a lack of food of animal origin. Especially for children with anorexia, their diets are not rich, and the way food is processed is not reasonable, causing loss of zinc content in food. In addition, the widespread use of antibiotics in this era also leads to a decrease in the zinc content of the child's body.
2. What are the symptoms of zinc deficiency in children?
As mentioned, zinc is involved in enzyme activity, genotype expression, cell division and body development. Zinc is also involved in reproductive function, immunity, taste regulation, appetite, so zinc deficiency will affect taste and smell, making children have no appetite when eating. Over time, the child's anorexia combined with zinc deficiency slows physical development, especially in height. In addition, zinc deficiency can cause many other symptoms as follows:
Weakened immune system makes children more susceptible to colds, flu or infections Dry, brittle hair, easy to fall out due to weakening of skin cells Sleep disorders, children are easily irritable because zinc helps transport calcium to the brain, is a substance that helps stabilize nerves Digestive and metabolic disorders: reduce suckling, reduce food intake, do not eat meat and fish, slow digestion, apples mild constipation, persistent nausea and vomiting Recurrent respiratory infections, gastrointestinal inflammation, dermatitis Eye lesions including photophobia, night blindness, dry eyes, corneal ulcers Non-healing wounds caused by zinc deficiency the process of creating new cells and enzymes
Tình trạng biếng ăn của trẻ kết hợp với thiếu kẽm làm trẻ chậm phát triển chiều cao
3. How to prevent zinc deficiency in young children?
Methods to prevent zinc deficiency and micronutrient deficiency in children include:
Strengthening and refreshing the child's diet, using zinc-rich foods, changing eating habits conducive to absorption zinc Breastfeeding exclusively for the first 6 months and continuing to breastfeed for up to 24 months Supplementing with foods containing vitamin C can increase zinc absorption, such as green vegetables, fruits Zinc-rich foods can be used. Uses include crabs, beef, shrimp, meat, fish Scheduled immunization for children against diseases such as measles, diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, polio, hepatitis B Periodic deworming for children from 2 years of age and older up, every 6 months Once the role of zinc is well understood in the development of young children, parents can consider supplementing zinc in their child's daily diet or through functional foods. consult a doctor to help your child develop comprehensively.
In addition to zinc supplements, parents can give their children essential micro-minerals such as zinc, lysine, chromium, selenium, ... to help meet the child's nutritional needs. At the same time, these essential vitamins also support digestion, enhance nutrient absorption, help improve anorexia, and help children eat well.
To have more knowledge about taking care of children according to age, please visit the website (vinmec.com) regularly and make an appointment with the leading doctors, Pediatricians - Nutrition experts when you need advice.
