In the process of feeding babies, we need to provide them with a variety of foods, and babies are willing to eat different foods. However, we know that many babies nowadays have a picky and selective diet, which can easily lead to a lack of certain nutrients, such as zinc deficiency. So, will babies not like to eat due to zinc deficiency?
Will babies not like to eat due to zinc deficiency?
It is best for babies who do not like to eat to have a trace element test, which is generally related to zinc deficiency. Because one of the components of taste hormones in saliva is zinc, zinc deficiency can affect taste and appetite, as well as the function of taste buds, leading to decreased taste function, mucosal hyperplasia, and incomplete keratinization, causing a large number of shed epithelial cells to block the small pores of taste buds, making it difficult for food to reach taste buds and making taste less sensitive.
What if the baby doesn't like to eat?
1. Boosting Baby's Appetite
(1) When making baby meals, try to dress up the baby's food in a colorful and animal shaped way, as rich colors and animal shapes will make the baby curious. This can greatly increase his appetite.
(2) You can use interesting utensils, such as spoons with antenna baby patterns, to shift children's attention to the utensils.
(3) Play house with children, teach them how to cook and stir fry, and then learn how to eat on their own.
2. Don't eat snacks before meals
Usually, babies will feel hungry and want to eat snacks between meals. At this time, parents need to be firm and adhere to the principle of not giving their babies snacks before the main meal, which can increase their appetite during the main meal. When he keeps crying and fussing, his parents can play with him more and make him forget about hunger.
3. Don't scold the child
Children should not be scolded or forced to eat, otherwise they will feel that eating is an unpleasant thing. When eating becomes an unpleasant thing, he naturally dislikes eating, which is not good for the child's growth and development. If the child really doesn't want to eat well, it's better to give them a meal later. When he is truly hungry, asking him to sit down and eat obediently can gradually cultivate his interest and concentration in eating.
4. Develop good habits
Children should develop the habit of not playing with toys during meals, especially before meals. Before eating, children can cultivate the habit of putting down their toys and helping their mothers serve dishes, letting everyone sit down, and then eating together with everyone.
Will babies not like to eat due to zinc deficiency? If a baby has a zinc deficiency, they will show a lack of appetite. Therefore, if the baby has been eating well, but has recently shown a lack of appetite and decreased appetite, parents should consider whether the baby is zinc deficient and can supplement zinc appropriately through food supplementation.
