How to supplement zinc for anorexia children

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Ngo Thi Oanh - Pediatrician - Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Ha Long International Hospital

Anorexia is a condition in which children do not eat enough food according to their needs, leading to nutritional deficiencies and growth retardation. Anorexia is very common in children and occurs at all ages. One of the causes of anorexia and decreased appetite in children is zinc deficiency. Let's find out how to supplement zinc for anorexia children through the article below.

Usually, parents can identify an anorexic child through the following signs:
The child's eating time is prolonged (swallowing food, refusing to swallow, eating lasts more than 30 minutes). The number of meals per day and the amount of food in each meal is less than that of children of the same age. Avoiding certain foods or refusing to eat all foods. Frequently skipping meals without feeling hungry. Run away when it's time to eat, when you hear the sound of setting the table. Seeing food with unpleasant reactions, nausea. Sweat a lot when eating. Pretend you're sick or say you're full so you don't have to eat. Crying, spitting food or intentionally spilling food to avoid having to eat. When having anorexia, children are prone to health problems such as:
Constantly tired, distracted, or sleepy. Vulnerable to infections and infectious diseases. Children are stunted in height and physical development.

Zinc is considered an important mineral element that has many influences on the functioning of the entire human body. Zinc participates directly in the structural composition or is a catalyst for 100 enzymes and precursors in metabolism. Cells in the body also need zinc, but zinc is concentrated mainly in bones and muscles. Zinc plays a role in creating taste and smell, bringing appetite when eating, promoting absorption, strengthening the immune system...
The main cause of zinc deficiency in children is a diet deficient in zinc, poor absorption of zinc in the intestinal membrane, and loss of zinc due to pathology. If zinc is not supplemented in time for children, there will be a decrease in the concentration of zinc in the blood and tissues, affecting the functioning of many types of cells and impaired function of many organ systems in the body such as: :
Skin diseases: dermatitis, tanning, keratosis, flaking skin (fish scales). Effects on hair: Excessive hair loss, especially at the frontal hairline, causes baldness, thin, brittle hair, reduced pigmentation. Effects on nails: nail dystrophy such as loss of shine, wrinkles, white streaks of nails, slow growth... Eye problems: dry cornea, itchy eyes, decreased tear secretion. Semi-mucosal: Dry lips, scabs, sores, easy to get abscesses in the oral mucosa, inflammation around the vulva, anus... Growth retardation in children or fetuses, severe malnutrition. Children with zinc deficiency from the womb can be born with malnutrition combined with manifestations of lesions on the skin, hair, hair, and nails.

3.1. Zinc is found in many foods of animal origin such as: cattle meat, poultry, seafood (oysters, oysters, fish, shrimps, crabs, eels...). Plant-based foods usually contain very little zinc, with the exception of nuts and seeds (especially soybeans).
In addition, to optimize the amount of zinc for children, the diet should be fortified with vitamin C and reduce foods rich in fiber, iron, and copper.
Particularly for children under 6 months of age, the most nutritious and easily absorbed source of zinc supplements is breast milk. In addition, the mother should increase zinc supplementation for children from foods rich in zinc to ensure the necessary amount of zinc for both mother and baby.

3.2. Supplementing with zinc in the form of pills Zinc brings a lot of benefits, but it does not mean that the more zinc supplements for anorexia children, the better. Zinc is only safe if supplemented with the correct recommended dose, ie 0.5-1.5mg of elemental zinc/kg body weight/day for children.
Parents should pay attention not to arbitrarily add zinc to children (without the guidance of a doctor), especially with high doses because zinc excess can lead to risks of metabolic disorders and growth for children.
Supplementing zinc for children with anorexia is a problem that parents should pay attention and do properly. Thoroughly understanding the problems children face, as well as having full information about supporting products, will help parents make effective choices, helping their children develop comprehensively and healthier.
Zinc deficiency can cause dangerous complications for children's health and mental health, so parents need to observe and timely supplement this important source of vitamin.
In addition to dietary supplements, parents can give their children supportive foods containing zinc and essential micro-minerals such as Lysine, chromium, selenium, vitamin B1... to help fully meet their needs. nutritional requirements in children. At the same time, these essential vitamins also support digestion, enhance nutrient absorption, help improve anorexia, and help children eat well.
>> Parents can learn more: What disease does zinc deficiency cause? When to take a zinc supplement? , The article was professionally consulted with Master, Doctor Vu Quoc Anh - Pediatrician - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Danang International General Hospital.
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