What You Should Know About Zinc And Children’s Diet
Zinc is an essential mineral for the human body. It fulfills several functions within the body and it is important to ensure that its daily requirements are met. Although it is not usual to suffer from a deficiency of it, such a situation could condition health, which is why zinc is so important in the diet of children.
Before starting, you must be clear about the importance of ensuring that the levels of micronutrients in the human body are optimal. These are found in almost all foods and perform determining functions in the context of human physiology.
The importance of zinc in the diet of children
Children have an immature immune system, still developing. For this reason, it is common for them to get sick when they come into contact with their classmates. However, this risk can be minimized through diet, including the best foods.
Zinc, in particular, is an element that has been shown to be key to the functioning of the immune system. According to a study published in Nutrients , it contributes to the differentiation of the cells of the white series, those in charge of fighting against pathogens.
It is a nutrient that works synergistically with vitamin C, also necessary to protect the body against attacks by viruses and bacteria. If the consumption of both substances is optimal, the risk of getting sick is significantly reduced. Also the duration of the viral processes decreases.
Zinc for treating intestinal problems
One of the common illnesses in children, even more dangerous in babies, is diarrhea. This problem can lead to dehydration, often leading to hospitalization. The reasons for diarrhea can be diverse, but it is a condition that can be optimally prevented and managed.
According to research published in The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews , supplementing with zinc or maintaining adequate levels of the nutrient can cut diarrhea and prevent complications. Obviously, the causative element will have to be studied, but the nutrient is capable of offering easier handling.
It is important, therefore, to ensure the presence of zinc in the diet to reduce the risk of developing gastrointestinal disorders that may put the child’s health at risk. Likewise, a probiotic supplement can help those who are especially sensitive.
Where to find zinc?
Supplementation is a possible way to obtain zinc, but not the one preferred by specialists. The ideal is to introduce foods high in the nutrient in the diet to ensure optimal levels.
As a general rule, meats have high concentrations of zinc. Both red and white meat are a good source of the mineral. The same goes for seafood and eggs. In addition, they provide iron, another essential element to ensure a good state of energy in the child.
Within the section on foods of plant origin, it is possible to find significant amounts of zinc in seeds, in some dried fruits such as walnuts, in wheat germ and in certain legumes, such as beans.
In this sense, it is convenient to propose a diet as varied as possible, since there are many sources of zinc that can be consumed. By broadening the spectrum of foods eaten, it will be very difficult to present a deficit of the mineral. Now, supplementation with it in certain circumstances can be beneficial.
Zinc, a fundamental mineral in the diet of children
As commented, zinc is important in children to reduce the incidence of infectious diseases in them. In this way, it will be achieved that they develop the immune system properly and that the body becomes less vulnerable to infections. In the medium term it represents a great gain in health.
In addition, it can be used as a supplement in cases of diarrhea, to cut the problem and prevent a progression that can lead to dehydration. These cases usually end with hospital admission, negatively conditioning the functioning of the child’s body. The best is prevention.
Finally, remember that suffering from a zinc deficiency, in the context of a varied diet, is rare. Supplementation with the nutrient is not usually necessary if foods of animal origin are consumed with some assiduity.
