Children need adequate amounts of vitamin B-6 and zinc to develop and grow properly. Vitamin B-6 helps metabolize proteins and red blood cells and helps the nervous system function properly, while zinc helps the body make DNA and protein and keeps the immune system function properly. Most children get enough of these nutrients through their diet, but some may need extra supplementation. Before giving your child a vitamin B-6 or zinc supplement, talk to your doctor to make sure supplementation is appropriate.
Recommended Dietary Allowances
The recommended dietary allowance of vitamin B-6 and zinc depends on a child's age. The recommended dietary allowance of vitamin B-6 for children between the ages of 1 and 13 ranges from 0.5 mg a day to 1.0 a day, while the recommended dietary allowance of zinc for children of the same age ranges from 3 mg a day to 9 mg a day. Keep in mind that these amounts are just guidelines and your child may require different amounts. Always ask your child's doctor if you have questions on how much your child needs.
Getting Too Much
Children between 1 and 3 years old should not get more than 30 mg of vitamin B-6 or 7 mg of zinc a day, children between 4 and 8 years old should not get more than 40 mg of vitamin B-6 or 12 mg of zinc a day, and children between 9 and 13 years old should not get more than 60 mg of vitamin B-6 or 23 mg of zinc a day. Symptoms of a vitamin B-6 overdose include tingling or numbness of the limbs, which is caused by temporary nerve damage. Symptoms of a zinc overdose include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach cramps and headaches.
Need
Supplementation of vitamin B-6 and zinc is typically only necessary in children if they have a poor or restricted diet and cannot consume adequate amounts of these nutrients through food alone, or if they have a medical condition that interferes with the way the body processes or absorbs these nutrients. Children who are deficient in either nutrient may need to take large doses to achieve appropriate amounts of the nutrient in their body. If you are concerned that your child's lifestyle or medical condition is affecting his nutritional needs, contact a doctor.
Warning
Some suggest that large amounts of vitamin B-6 or zinc may be useful in treating childhood disorders, but no scientific evidence supports this theory at the time of the publication of this article. The Institute of Medicine, the organization that established the recommended dietary allowances and upper tolerable intake levels, believe that the risks of getting too much of these nutrients outweigh any potential benefits. Do not use large amounts of vitamin B-6 or zinc to treat any childhood condition unless you have explicit instructions from your child's doctor to do so.
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