Zinc is an important element in the human body. If the body lacks zinc, it can damage health and even cause illness. When a baby lacks zinc, it can affect their appetite and cause them to not eat properly. When parents discover that their baby is deficient in zinc, they should supplement it in a timely manner. So, how can babies supplement their zinc deficiency?
If a baby who is still breastfeeding lacks zinc, they should adhere to breastfeeding because there are many zinc elements in breast milk, especially in colostrum, which has a very high zinc content. Although zinc is also present in milk powder, it is not as easily absorbed as breast milk. The absorption rate of zinc in breast milk is very high, reaching up to 62%.
If a baby is zinc deficient at 6 months old, it is recommended to add foods with high zinc content, such as lean meat powder, fish paste, animal liver, and oysters. The zinc content in general animal based foods is higher than that in plant-based foods.
If the baby's zinc deficiency is severe, it cannot be supplemented solely through diet. At this time, parents should follow the doctor's advice and give their child zinc supplements. Most of the current zinc supplements are oral liquids with a sour and sweet taste, which are easily accepted by young babies. There are many zinc supplements for infants and young children nowadays, such as organic zinc, inorganic zinc, and zinc gluconate. Doctors will choose according to the child's condition.
