Zinc is one of the most important elements for human growth and development. When a baby lacks zinc, symptoms such as loss of appetite and slow growth may occur. Let's take a look at the specific symptoms of zinc deficiency in babies and how to supplement zinc.
Symptoms of zinc deficiency in babies
1. Loss of appetite
Babies with zinc deficiency generally show loss of appetite, and sometimes they may have poor appetite, reluctance to eat, and picky eating habits.
2. Slow growth and development
Data has shown that when babies have zinc deficiency, their growth and development are generally lower than that of their peers, especially in terms of height.
Zinc deficiency can cause malnutrition, which affects bone development and leads to stunted growth.
If you don't want your child to be shorter than others, timely zinc supplementation is needed.
3. Frequent oral diseases
Zinc deficiency can easily lead to oral diseases, especially oral ulcers. When a baby lacks zinc, their immune system weakens, which directly damages cells and causes infections in the mouth, leading to oral ulcers.
If parents find that their baby has oral ulcers, they should promptly seek medical treatment and check if it is caused by zinc deficiency.
Dietary methods to supplement zinc for babies
【Oyster Congee】
Ingredients: oysters, ginger, rice.
Instructions: Wash the oysters and drain them. Wash the rice and ginger. Put the oysters in a pot, add ginger and enough water, stew for 3 minutes, then remove and drain to remove the fishy smell. Wash the rice and put it in the pot, add water and simmer for half an hour, then add the oysters and simmer until it becomes congee.
【Millet Peanut Congee】
Ingredients: 100g millet, 50g peanuts.
Instructions: Wash the millet. Soak the peanuts in water for half an hour, then wash them. Boil water in a pot, add millet and peanuts, boil over high heat, then simmer over low heat for about 40 minutes. If the baby doesn't eat it, you can add some rock sugar and stir.
【Banana Apple Strawberry Juice】
Ingredients: banana, apple, strawberry.
Instructions: Remove the stems from the strawberries and wash them, then cut them into pieces. Peel and wash the bananas, then cut them into small pieces. Wash and core the apples, then cut them into small pieces. Put all three ingredients into a juicer and blend them into a juice for the baby to drink.
