Balancing Zinc Supplementation: Avoiding Anemia and Vulnerability in Children

November 30, 2023

Child anemia can severely affect physical and intellectual development, causing symptoms such as loss of appetite, picky eating, and reduced resistance to various infections. If anemia is not severe, there is no need to take various supplements, as the symptoms can be improved by adjusting the diet. For example, it is important to pay attention to diet and consume a balanced amount of iron-rich foods such as liver, egg yolks, and grains. If the intake of iron is insufficient or there is a severe iron deficiency, iron supplements should be taken immediately. Vitamin C can help with the absorption of iron and the production of hemoglobin, so an adequate intake of vitamin C is also necessary. Additionally, it is recommended to consume a variety of fresh vegetables, many of which are rich in iron, such as black fungus, seaweed, hair vegetable, shepherd's purse, black sesame, and lotus root powder.

Chinese medicine experts remind you that excessive zinc supplementation can also cause anemia:

Excessive Zinc Supplementation Leads to Anemia

Medical experts suggest that there is no need for preventive zinc supplementation before diagnosing zinc deficiency. The most important thing is to pay attention to a balanced diet structure and timely add complementary foods to babies. Dietary supplementation is always the best choice. Foods rich in zinc include egg yolks, lean meat, fish, animal organs, legumes, and nuts. Infants can also obtain zinc from complementary foods. Many parents give their children zinc supplements to prevent delayed growth and low intelligence. However, if zinc is over-supplemented, it may affect the absorption of other trace elements such as iron, leading to iron-deficiency anemia.

Excessive Zinc Supplementation Makes Children More Vulnerable

To replenish blood, it is necessary to supplement zinc. Many parents attach great importance to zinc supplementation for their children. However, studies have shown that if babies with calcium deficiency are over-supplemented with zinc, they may be more susceptible to other diseases due to decreased immunity. Healthy babies actually have a very small requirement for zinc, and 3-5 milligrams per day is sufficient for those under 1 year old. Excessive intake can cause an imbalance of trace elements in the body, and severe overdose can lead to poisoning, resulting in symptoms such as nausea, fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. Moreover, excessive zinc intake in adulthood can also lead to the development of diseases such as coronary heart disease and arteriosclerosis.

Share

Everyone Is Watching

icon

Hot Picks