What Are The Dangers Of Zinc In Children?

Zinc is an essential trace mineral, meaning you need it, but only in small amounts. Zinc is present in many foods, including beef, poultry, fish, shellfish, some nuts and dairy products. It can also be found in multivitamin supplements, over-the-counter throat lozenges and cold remedies. Children require less zinc than adults, but too little or too much zinc can have potentially serious effects in both children and adults. Talk to your child's pediatrician about how much zinc your child needs for optimal health.

Importance of Zinc

Zinc is necessary for normal cellular metabolism and plays a role in the activity of dozens of enzymes, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Zinc is also necessary for the proper functioning of your immune system and is important for the formation of proteins, healing, DNA replication and cell growth. In children, zinc is a significant contributing factor for normal growth and development.

Deficiency

Children are more susceptible to a dietary zinc deficiency than adults, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. Too little zinc can cause developmental problems in children by slowing the growth and development of cells. Zinc deficiencies can also delay sexual maturation and cause rashes, diarrhea and behavioral problems.

Toxicity

Zinc toxicity can occur by eating too many foods that are high in zinc or by ingesting zinc supplements in excess of your body's tolerable limit. Excess zinc is not normally excreted. Therefore, too much zinc can cause symptoms of toxicity. Zinc toxicity can cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and headaches, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Zinc is involved in the absorption of other trace minerals; too much zinc can cause a copper and iron deficiency and reduce immune system function.

Recommendations

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, you should always talk with your child's pediatrician before giving him zinc supplements. Infants 6 months or younger require 2 mg of zinc per day, and infants 7 months to 3 years require 3 mg per day. Children 4 to 8 require 5 mg per day, and children 9 to 13 need 8 mg per day. Taking more than what's recommended can greatly increase the risk and severity of side effects associated with zinc toxicity.