There are many different reasons why children lose their appetite, one of which is zinc deficiency in young children. Zinc supplementation will help children improve their health, overcome anorexia and have a better appetite. So what should children with zinc deficiency eat to gradually regain their sense of taste?
1. How much zinc is enough for children with anorexia?
Anorexia is a common eating disorder in young children. To improve, mothers should cook zinc-rich foods for their children to help them eat more deliciously. According to the recommendations of the US Food and Nutrition Board, the safe amount of zinc to supplement children with anorexia is divided by age as follows:
From 1 to 3 years old: 7mg zinc.
From 4 to 8 years old: 12mg zinc.
Absorbing more zinc than necessary can lead to complications, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches or abdominal cramps. In the long term, zinc overdose will lead to poisoning.
2. What should children with zinc deficiency eat?
2.1. Oysters
Oysters are the seafood that tops the list of zinc-rich foods for children. A medium-sized oyster contains up to 5.3 mg of zinc. In addition, this seafood is also rich in protein, low in calories, and contains many minerals and vitamins such as vitamin C, B12 and iron. Oyster porridge is one of the easy-to-cook dishes and is loved by many children.
Oysters are rich in zinc, protein, minerals and vitamins that are very good for children.
2.2. Crab and lobster
Crab and lobster are two types of seafood that should be supplemented for children with zinc deficiency. In addition, fish such as sardines, halibut, and salmon also contain zinc, but in lower amounts. The yellow color and aroma of crab and shrimp when cooked will attract children, making them unable to ignore it. In addition, the nutrients from crab and shrimp are also very good for children’s cardiovascular health.
2.3. Beans help overcome zinc deficiency in young children
Beans in general contain a lot of fiber, iron, and zinc. When you don’t know what children with zinc deficiency should eat, try preparing dishes from beans for children. Green beans, red beans, white beans, etc. will create a colorful meal, helping to stimulate children’s appetite.
2.4. Children with zinc deficiency should supplement red meat and poultry
Beef, pork, and chicken are three popular, nutritious meats that are especially rich in zinc. You should prioritize choosing lean, fat-free meat or spare ribs to prepare dishes for your baby. Suggested dishes for you to cook for your baby are beef with onion sauce, beef wrapped in betel leaves, boiled chicken, chicken soup, sweet and sour ribs, etc. In addition, a large chicken egg can contain about 0.6 mg of zinc.
2.5. Nuts
Common nuts such as pumpkin seeds, cashews, peanuts, chia seeds are essential sources of zinc for children every day. Mothers can make salads and sprinkle peanuts on top for their children to enjoy or feed them with cashews with salads and yogurt.
2.6. Vegetables and fruits
To solve the problem of what to supplement for children with zinc deficiency, parents can feed their children a lot of vegetables and fruits such as mushrooms, spinach, broccoli and garlic. They contain a lot of zinc, vitamins, minerals and do not provide too many calories.
2.7. Whole Grains
Whole grains are one of the foods that should be supplemented for children with zinc deficiency and anorexia. In 62g of oats, there is about 0.9 mg of zinc. Similarly, in 62g of brown rice, there is about 0.6 mg of zinc. Meanwhile, a slice of whole grain bread contains 0.5 mg of zinc.
Whole grains are one of the foods that should be supplemented for children with zinc deficiency and anorexia.
2.8. Milk and dairy products
This is a source of calcium and zinc that is essential for children. Children with micronutrient deficiencies should increase their milk intake to ensure adequate nutrition for physical and mental development.
2.9. Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate is a source of zinc for children. However, the amount of dark chocolate should be limited so that children do not eat more than one bar (about 28g) per day. To increase the amount of zinc for children, parents can choose supplements containing zinc combined with Lysine, Taurine and B vitamins, etc.
Monitoring the symptoms and preventing zinc deficiency in children as well as choosing supplements for children with zinc deficiency helps ensure the physical and mental development of children.
LaminKid contains lysine and important micronutrients such as zinc, chromium, selenium, and B vitamins to fully meet the nutritional needs of children. Lysine is an essential amino acid for children’s development that the body cannot synthesize itself. LaminKid contains 160 mg of lysine and many other nutrients that support the digestive system and enhance absorption. At the same time, LaminKid also supports the immune system, enhances resistance, reduces the risk of upper respiratory tract infections, bronchitis, flu… LaminKid is used for children with zinc deficiency, poor absorption, slow growth, weak body, malnutrition. Children with low resistance, often suffering from upper respiratory tract infections, diarrhea, children who are sick or have just recovered from illness can also use it. With natural ingredients, prepared in the form of granules and the strawberry flavor that children love, LaminKid is a safe and effective choice to supplement zinc deficiency in young children. Zinc deficiency in young children greatly affects the comprehensive development of children, especially when children have poor appetite and malnutrition. To solve the problem of what zinc deficiency children should supplement, parents need to develop a suitable nutritional regimen for their children or can supplement through micronutrient-fortified products under the guidance of a doctor.
If your child still shows signs of suspected zinc deficiency after eating according to the above instructions, you should take your child to the doctor for a zinc test to have a treatment and supplementation plan for your child.
