Zinc And Magnesium For Children

Zinc and magnesium are both necessary minerals for the maintenance of normal human functions. Children should be consuming these minerals, but it is important to discuss any significant diet change or supplement with a doctor or registered dietitian first.

RDA for Zinc

The RDA, or Recommended Dietary Allowances, for infants under 6 months is 2 mg of zinc per day. Children from the ages of half a year to three years should consume 3 mg; children ages 4 to 8 should consume 5 mg per day, while 9 to 13 year olds should be consuming 8 mg.

RDA for Magnesium

The RDA for infants under the age of half a year is 30 mg per day of magnesium. From 6 months to a year, infants should consume 75 mg per day. Children ages 1 to 3 should consume 80 mg, 4 to 8 year olds should consume 130 mg, and 9 to 13 year olds should have 240 mg per day.

Zinc

Zinc plays an important role in growth and development. Deficiency has been linked to adolescent nutritional dwarfism in the Middle East. Low maternal zinc status has been associated with diminished attention and motor function in newborns 6 months of age. Zinc has also been shown to increase children's attention; however, more studies must still be preformed.

Magnesium

Magnesium is involved in more than 300 necessary metabolic reactions. Deficiency of magnesium is rare, except in cases of acutely or chronically ill patients. However, excess intake of zinc interferes with the absorption of magnesium. Magnesium may also help children who suffer from asthma, and may help treat acute asthma attacks in children.