The important role of zinc supplementation in children and the importance of zinc supplementation in babies

Zinc is an important element needed by the human body. Like calcium, it is a trace element. Many people do not get enough zinc from food, especially children. If they do not pay attention to taking some zinc-supplementing foods, it is easy for their body resistance to become low and their growth and development will be affected. Pregnant women may also be zinc deficient. Therefore, zinc supplementation is very important for many people. So, what are the important roles of zinc supplementation? Let's take a look at the role of zinc supplementation.

The important role of zinc supplementation

The groups of people who need zinc supplementation the most are pregnant women and children. The reason why children need zinc supplementation is that they have low immunity. In order to improve immunity and promote growth and development, parents must pay attention to zinc supplementation for their children. Of course, there are many other groups who also need zinc supplementation. So, what is the important role of zinc supplementation?

The main functions include the following aspects:

1. Enhance human immunity

Zinc is a nutrient for the development of the immune organ thymus. Only sufficient zinc can effectively ensure the development of the thymus, normal differentiation of T lymphocytes and promotion of cellular immune function.

2. Promote human growth and development

If children and adolescents in the growth and development period are deficient in zinc, it will lead to developmental abnormalities and imbalance of intestinal flora. Severe deficiency will lead to dwarfism and intellectual disability.

3. Maintain normal appetite

Zinc deficiency can lead to decreased sense of taste, anorexia, picky eating, even pica, and imbalance of intestinal flora.

4. Promote the healing of wounds and trauma

Zinc supplements were first used clinically to treat skin diseases.

5. Affects the metabolism of vitamin A and normal vision

Zinc is clinically shown to be beneficial to the eyes because it promotes the absorption of vitamin A. Zinc is essential for the absorption of vitamin A. Vitamin A is usually stored in the liver. When the human body needs it, it is transported to the blood. This process is "mobilized" by zinc.

6. Maintain normal spermatogenesis in men

Zinc is present in large quantities in male testicles and is involved in the entire process of sperm production, maturation and capacitation. Once men are zinc deficient, it will lead to a decrease in sperm count, decreased sperm motility, poor semen liquefaction, and ultimately male infertility. Zinc deficiency can also cause adolescents to have no secondary sexual characteristics and fail to develop normal reproductive development.

Zinc supplementation helps with normal childbirth

For most expectant mothers, supplementing zinc through food is the most effective and safest. Therefore, expectant mothers must pay attention to supplementing zinc in their daily diet.

Expectant mothers can often eat animal liver, meat, eggs, fish, whole grains and dry beans, which are foods rich in zinc. In addition, snacks like walnuts, melon seeds, and peanuts are rich in zinc. It is best to eat some of them every day, which can better supplement zinc.

There is another fruit that is a very good source of zinc. That is apple, which is not only rich in trace elements such as zinc, but also rich in nutrients such as lipids, carbohydrates, and multiple vitamins. In particular, it is high in fine fiber, which helps the development of the hippocampus in the marginal part of the fetal cerebral cortex, and also helps the fetus's acquired memory. Pregnant women can meet their zinc needs by eating 1-2 apples a day.

There is another point that expectant mothers should pay attention to: try to eat less or no overly refined rice or noodles, because when the malt and bran of wheat are ground to become refined flour, a large amount of zinc has been lost, leaving only one-fifth.

One point must also be emphasized: listen to the doctor's advice during examination and delivery, and choose the appropriate delivery method. Do not act on your own during childbirth; expectant mothers should follow the guidance of medical staff.

Zinc supplementation can improve baby's immunity

The baby's immunity within 6 months mainly comes from breast milk. After 6 months, breast milk seems to be unable to provide immunity for the baby. It is necessary for the baby to obtain immunity from complementary foods, which will make the baby's immune system more complete.

Zinc is a component of many important enzymes in the human body. It catalyzes life activities, promotes baby's growth and development, regeneration of body tissues, helps babies improve their own immunity, and participates in the metabolism of vitamin A.

Babies who are breastfed within 6 months are not prone to zinc deficiency. After 6 months, the baby's activity level increases and the amount of sweating increases, so zinc is easily lost with sweat. Babies are prone to symptoms of zinc deficiency, such as dry and yellow hair and poor appetite.

Excessive intake of zinc can inhibit the baby's absorption of copper and iron. When the ratio of zinc to copper is greater than 10:1, it will cause iron deficiency anemia in the baby. Calcium is the most abundant cation in our daily diet. High calcium content will damage the small intestine's absorption of zinc. When the calcium content exceeds 50 to 100 times that of zinc, it will affect the absorption of zinc. When the baby consumes 200 mg of calcium per day, it will not have any effect on the body's zinc absorption and balance.

Therefore, mothers should not blindly supplement zinc and calcium, but should ensure that their baby's diet is balanced so that the proportions of various nutrients are appropriate.

If the lead and copper levels in the serum are high, the zinc level will be low; but zinc can inhibit the absorption of lead in the baby's intestines and prevent the baby from lead poisoning.

Zinc is also an important raw material for the growth of brain cells. It can enhance the vitality of brain cells and maintain the normal function of the baby's brain.

It can be seen that zinc supplementation has many important roles, especially for babies and expectant mothers. They must pay attention to zinc supplementation. Of course, there are more and more zinc supplement products on the market. Everyone must choose carefully and must not blindly buy some zinc supplement health products. It is best to get them through food, or eat zinc supplement foods under the supervision of a doctor.