What medicine should children take for zinc deficiency?
In recent years, the problem of zinc deficiency in children has attracted much attention from parents. Zinc is an essential trace element for children's growth and development. Lack of zinc may lead to problems such as loss of appetite and reduced immunity. This article will combine the hot topics and hot content on the Internet in the past 10 days to provide parents with a scientific guide to medication for zinc deficiency in children.
1. Common symptoms of zinc deficiency in children
The clinical manifestations of zinc deficiency are diverse. Parents should be alert to the following signs:
| Symptom classification | Specific performance |
|---|---|
| growth and development | Slow growth in height and weight, delayed sexual development |
| immune function | Recurrent respiratory tract infections and slow wound healing |
| Skin and mucous membranes | Oral ulcers, geographic tongue, dermatitis |
| digestive system | Loss of appetite, pica, diarrhea |
2. Comparison of commonly used clinical zinc supplementation drugs
Based on the consensus of pediatric experts and drug instructions, common zinc supplement preparations are compiled:
| Drug name | Zinc content | Applicable age | Usage and dosage | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zinc gluconate oral solution | 10mg/10ml | 1 year old and above | 1-2 times a day, 5-10ml each time | Good taste and quick absorption |
| zinc sulfate tablets | 45mg/tablet | 6 years and above | Once a day, 1/2 tablet each time | Need to be taken after meals |
| protein zinc | 5mg/capsule | 3 years and above | 2 times a day, 1 capsule each time | Little gastrointestinal irritation |
| Licorice zinc granules | 4mg/bag | 2 years old and above | 2-3 times a day, 1 bag each time | Collaboratively protect stomach |
3. Medication precautions
1.Diagnosis first: It is recommended to do a serum zinc test first (normal value 7.65-22.95 μmol/L) to avoid blind zinc supplementation
2.dose control: WHO recommends daily zinc supplement: 2-3 mg for infants, 5-10 mg for children, treatment course for 2-3 months
3.adverse reactions: Large doses may cause nausea and vomiting, and long-term overdose may lead to copper deficiency.
4.drug interactions: Avoid taking it with iron and tetracycline antibiotics at least 2 hours apart.
4. Dietary auxiliary program
In conjunction with drug treatment, high-zinc foods are recommended:
| food category | represents food | Zinc content (mg/100g) |
|---|---|---|
| seafood | Oysters, scallops | 9.39-71.2 |
| red meat | Beef, mutton | 4.05-6.92 |
| nuts | Walnuts, cashews | 2.17-5.78 |
| cereals | oats, quinoa | 2.84-3.10 |
5. Latest suggestions from experts (updated in 2023)
1. The Pediatric Branch of the Chinese Medical Association emphasizes:breastfed infantZinc-rich complementary foods should be introduced from 4 to 6 months of age
2. Latest guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics:premature infantRoutine zinc supplementation is required until 6 months of corrected age
3. Research from the European Nutrition Society shows:vegetarian childrenZinc intake should be increased by 20%
6. Answers to frequently asked questions by parents
Q: How long does it take for zinc supplements to take effect?
A: Appetite improvement can usually be seen in 2-4 weeks, and it takes 8-12 weeks for immune function to recover.
Q: Can I take zinc supplements for a long time?
A: For those with a clear diagnosis, a 3-month course of treatment is recommended, followed by dietary maintenance.
Q: Under what circumstances do we need to increase the amount of zinc supplement?
A: During diarrhea, children with burns, and patients with enteropathic acrodermatitis need to double the dose.
Warm reminder: Specific medication needs to be carried out under the guidance of a pediatrician. This article is for reference only. Maintaining a balanced diet and regular physical examinations are the fundamental ways to prevent trace element deficiencies.
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