Table of contents:
- How much zinc do children need?
- In what foods can zinc be found?
- What are the functions and benefits of zinc for the child's body?
- What will happen if the child is deficient in zinc?
- 1. Weak neurological function
- 2. Weak immunity
- 3. Diarrhea
- 4. Allergies
- 5. Thinning hair
Zinc is a nutrient that people need to stay healthy, because zinc can help the immune system fight viruses and bacteria. In addition, other functions are to form proteins and DNA, as well as things related to genetics in all cells. Zinc is also very much needed by the body during pregnancy, infants and children, so that they can grow and develop properly.
How much zinc do children need?
Zinc is needed every day depending on the age of each individual. The following is the average zinc requirement for children:
- Newborn to 6 months: 2 mg
- Infants 7-12 months: 3 mg
- Toddlers 1-3 years: 3 mg
- Children 4-8 years: 5 mg
- Children 9-13 years: 8 mg
- Teens 14-18 years (boys): 11 mg
- Teens 14-18 years (girls): 9 mg
However, the intake of zinc for infants aged 4-6 months is sufficient with breast milk alone, because breast milk contains sufficient zinc (2 mg per day). Meanwhile, babies who are 7-12 months old, apart from being given breast milk, must also eat the recommended foods for children of that age.
In what foods can zinc be found?
Zinc content can be found in a variety of foods. The following are the recommended meals:
- Oysters are one of the foods that are rich in zinc
- Red meat and poultry, seafood such as crab and lobster, and zinc-rich cereals for breakfast
- Nuts, seeds, dairy products
What are the functions and benefits of zinc for the child's body?
Zinc is a substance that is vital for the growth and development of the reproductive organs, and is very influential on the strength of the immune system. Eating foods rich in zinc can make children respond quickly and perform memory-related tasks accurately. Zinc nutrition affects motor, cognitive and psychosocial functions in children and the elderly.
Lack of zinc can lead to decreased growth, increased exposure to colds and infections, weak memory, and a lack of attention. The causes of zinc deficiency include if the child experiences rapid growth and poor dietary habits. Children also may not eat foods rich in zinc.
Zinc is also needed for the eye coordination ability of children. Zinc supplements are able to overcome the growth failure experienced by zinc deficient children. Zinc is very important for growing children. Can you imagine the dangers of zinc deficiency?
What will happen if the child is deficient in zinc?
Without realizing it, maybe our baby is also included in the group that lacks zinc nutrition. Here are some signs that you can identify:
1. Weak neurological function
Zinc deficiency in infancy can be linked to motor impairments and lack of focus that lasts into adulthood. We need zinc from food and interspersed with other nutrients. According to American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, zinc supplements only provide about 50% of what is needed on a daily basis.
2. Weak immunity
As explained above, zinc has an effect on the immune system. If your child is prone to illness, he may need more zinc intake. Zinc is useful for:
- Growth of T-cells and white blood cells needed to fight disease
- Apoptosis which functions to kill harmful bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells
- Gene derivation, the initial step of gene expression
- Serves as protection for cell membranes
- Contributes to maintaining healthy functioning, as well as mood balance
3. Diarrhea
One example of a compromised immune system is infection, such as having diarrhea. Children are very prone to diarrhea every year, they are also susceptible to bacteria E. coli and other bacterial infections.
4. Allergies
Chronic stress can lead to weak adrenal glands and can lead to a lack of calcium, magnesium, and zinc. This can be caused by increased levels of histamine - a substance that can cause allergies. Zinc deficiency can increase the level of histamine around the body's fluid tissues. Here are the reasons why histamine should be reduced:
- Excess histamine in the body can cause various symptoms commonly found and associated with allergies (runny nose, sneezing and itching)
- High histamine can increase a person's sensitivity to all allergic reactions
5. Thinning hair
A person with weak adrenals may experience hypothyroidism, which causes thinning hair and alopecia. This is caused by a lack of thyroid hormone. This hormone is the basis of zinc absorption.
