What should I do if my child is zinc deficient and refuses to eat? How to supplement zinc

Zinc is an important trace element in the human body. Many children show signs of zinc deficiency. Some children also like to eat, so many adults don’t know what to do when children are zinc deficient and refuse to eat. In this case, the first thing to do is to supplement zinc and then improve your diet.

1. For babies who are clearly zinc deficient, zinc supplementation can be used for treatment. Zinc preparations include zinc gluconate, zinc sulfate, zinc glycyrrhizate, zinc acetate, etc. The most commonly used is zinc gluconate, which is taken at 3.5-7 mg/kg per day for 2-3 months. If the symptoms do not improve after 4-5 weeks of zinc supplementation, you should see a doctor in time. Zinc supplementation must be used under the guidance of a doctor, and do not increase the dose at will. Excessive doses can cause digestive tract irritation symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach discomfort. Long-term use of large doses may also cause zinc poisoning.

2. Supplement zinc in time. When the baby is confirmed to be zinc deficient by a doctor, zinc preparation treatment is required. Currently, zinc preparations include zinc sulfate, zinc gluconate, licorice zinc, yeast zinc, etc. Must be performed under the guidance of a doctor. The supplement dosage and course of treatment need to be determined by the doctor based on the specific situation of the child. After the symptoms disappear, there is no need to continue taking the medication to avoid overdose.

3. Balanced diet. When the baby refuses to eat, parents can choose foods high in zinc and prepare a balanced diet that is nutritionally balanced and diverse in color, aroma, taste, beauty and shape. Foods with the highest zinc content are animal foods, including meat, fish, animal liver and kidneys, eggs, and aquatic products such as clams, mussels, oysters, etc., and shelled dried fruits such as walnuts, chestnuts, oranges, peanuts, sesame, etc. According to the zinc content of this food, pay attention to the proper combination in the three meals a day.