Zinc is a vital nutrient that is essential for growth and development. Not only that, a lack of zinc has been associated with impaired cognitive development which makes it all the more crucial to add it to every child’s diet. Read on to learn more about the importance of zinc in child’s diet, how it impacts your child’s health and development, and what foods you can add to incorporate it to your kid’s diet.
Zinc is a trace mineral that over 70 digestive enzymes rely on for regulating digestion and metabolism in the body. Children with zinc deficiencies experience growth defects and abnormalities which makes this a vital nutrient in every diet. It is also essential for the proper growth and development of reproductive organs in kids.
The following are the benefits of zinc in children-
If you’re wondering about how much zinc to give kids, then we’ve got you covered. According to The Office of Dietary Supplements, these are the following zinc dosages for children-
Teenagers are highly recommended to not consume more than 34 milligrams of zinc a day which is the tolerable upper intake level, since they may experience various harmful side effects.
You can up the zinc intake in your children through natural food sources. You can add these zinc foods for kids to your child’s diet-
If you are planning to give zinc supplements to your kids, then here are a couple of things you should know-
Although plant-based foods have zinc, they are in low doses and often not enough to cover the daily recommended intake. You can add zinc in your child’s diet by encouraging them to consume yeast-risen whole-grain pieces of bread and soy-based foods like miso and tempeh to up their intake of this mineral. Zinc-fortified cereals and whole-grains are other options for kids who skimp eating meat and dairy products.
Please consult your family doctor or a certified nutritionist before choosing to use a zinc supplement for kids since they may experience the above-mentioned side-effects with an over dose of the mineral.