How long does it usually take for children to take zinc supplements?

If an adult's body lacks some trace elements, the consequences are quite serious. This is even more so for babies, because they are at a critical time of growth and development. If they do not have the support of trace elements at this time, their development will be affected. For example, zinc is such an important element. As a mother, you should supplement it for your child every day. Let’s take a look at how long it usually takes for children to supplement zinc.

How long does it usually take for children to take zinc supplements?

The requirement for zinc varies for different age groups. Infants aged 0-6 months only need 1.5 mg of zinc per day, and infants aged 7-12 months need 8 mg. Then, the demand for zinc increases slowly with age, reaching a maximum amount of 19 mg at the age of 14-18 years. Once you are over 18, your body's need for zinc decreases and only 11.5 mg per day is enough.

Zinc supplementation is a process, and only by taking it consistently can you see a good effect. Zinc supplements are generally used as supplements, and the amount should be enough for 3-4 months.

What are the methods for zinc supplementation for babies?

1. Different people have different needs

The Chinese Nutrition Society recommends the following daily zinc requirements: 3 mg for infants from birth to 6 months old; 5 mg for infants from 7 to 12 months old; 10 mg for children aged 1 to 3 years old; 20 mg for pregnant women; 20 mg for nursing mothers; and 10-15 mg for normal adults.

2. Infants rely on breast milk for zinc supplementation

Breastfeed your baby for at least 3 months, and then gradually switch to cow's milk or other milk substitutes. The absorption rate of zinc in breast milk is high, reaching 62%. In particular, colostrum is high in zinc, with an average concentration 4-7 times that of serum zinc.

3. Add zinc-containing foods after weaning

Such as beef, mutton, lean pork, animal liver, peanuts, soybeans, carrots, oysters, etc. According to measurements, the zinc content in animal foods is higher than that in plant foods, and the amino acids produced after the decomposition of animal protein can promote the absorption of zinc, with the absorption rate generally being around 50%. The zinc contained in plant foods can combine with plant acid and cellulose to form water-insoluble compounds, thereby hindering human absorption, with an absorption rate of only around 20%. Bottle-fed babies should start adding easily absorbed zinc-rich complementary foods from 4 months old: minced lean meat, egg yolks, fish paste, animal liver, oysters, peanut rice flour, walnut kernel powder, etc.

I believe we all know “how many days babies should take zinc supplements”. After reading this article, we will understand it very clearly. The lack of trace elements is a major obstacle to children's development, especially the lack of zinc. If a child is zinc deficient, not only will his immunity be low, but parents will also have to worry more. Therefore, parents should consider whether their baby needs zinc supplementation based on their child’s own situation.