Zinc is an essential nutrient required for healthy immune and reproduction systems, as well as proper neurological function. Zinc is also required to help the structure of your cell membranes and proteins in your body function as they should. Children and adults need to consume zinc on a regular basis to prevent health problems.
Babies and Toddlers
Babies and toddlers under the age of 3 do not need much zinc on a daily basis in order to stay healthy. The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine has set recommendations at 2 mg daily for babies from birth to 6 months old. Infants and children between the ages of 7 months and 3 years should consume 3 mg of zinc daily. Baby formula and breast milk from a mother who is not zinc-deficient provides the adequate intake for young infants. Toddlers can get their fill of zinc from milk, yogurt, cheese, instant oatmeal and fortified breakfast cereals.
Children and Teens
Elementary school aged children between 4 and 8 years old need an average of 5 mg of zinc daily. During the 'tween years, the recommendations increases to 8 mg. Until the age of 14, both boys and girls follow the same nutritional guidelines in terms of zinc. Female teens between the ages of 14 and 18 require just a little more zinc than their younger siblings, at 9mg. Teenage boys should increase their zinc intake to 11mg daily. Foods that offer zinc include beef, chicken, baked beans, chickpeas, kidney beans, cashew nuts, bran cereals, oysters, lobster and flounder.
Signs of Deficiency
Children in North America are less likely than those in developing countries to suffer from zinc deficiencies. However, if your pediatrician is concerned that your child is not getting enough zinc, he may order a supplement. Signs of zinc deficiency can include a lowered immunity, slowed growth and development, hair loss and loss of appetite. Older children who are deficient in zinc may experience a delay in sexual maturation or hypogonadism -- a lowered testosterone level.
Labeling
Zinc is naturally occuring in many foods, but nutritional content labels may not reflect this fact. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not require food companies to label the zinc content in their products unless the item has been specifically enriched with the nutrient.
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