Zinc is just one of the nutrients necessary for your child's development. In order to make sure that he gets the right amount of zinc every day, you have to be aware of the best zinc sources, signs that he isn't getting enough, and the maximum safe amount of zinc that he can have daily.
Benefits
Zinc is necessary for growth and development. According to Babycenter.com, your child runs the risk of experiencing stunted growth without enough zinc. It is also necessary for digestion and metabolism, as well as the senses of taste, sight and smell.
Amount and Sources
The amount of zinc your child needs depends on her age. From one to three years, she needs 3 mg of zinc a day. She needs 5 mg a day from four to eight years of age, and 8 mg from nine to 13 years of age. Sources of zinc include red meat, fish, poultry, legumes, whole grains, tofu, mushrooms and sunflower seeds. Animal food products, like meat and poultry, contain more zinc and allow the nutrient to be more readily absorbed than plant sources, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. For example, 1 oz of almonds has 1 mg of zinc, while 1 oz of steak has 2.6 mg.
Considerations
The Office of Dietary Supplements states that some digestive disorders, such as Crohn's disease, can decrease the amount of zinc that your child is able to absorb. If he follows a restrictive diet, such as vegetarian or vegan, he may not get enough zinc. Loss of appetite, weight loss, skin problems, white spots on nails and hair loss are all signs of a zinc deficiency. If you suspect that your child does not get enough zinc, talk to his doctor about the use of supplements.
Safety
It can be difficult for your child to get too much zinc from her diet, but she may get too much from zinc supplements. Symptoms of too much zinc include headache, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, and consuming too much zinc on a regular basis can be toxic. The maximum safe amount of zinc your child can have is 7 mg from one to three years of age, 12 mg from four to eight years of age, and 23 mg from nine to 13 years of age.
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