Patient's question:
My baby went to the hospital last month for a trace element check, and the doctor said they are deficient in zinc. But I feel like my child is doing well physically, eating normally, not picky or fussy, and eating quite a bit. How could they suddenly be deficient in zinc without any reason? I don’t know what symptoms are common in children who are deficient in zinc.What kind of help do I need: How can I determine if my child is deficient in zinc, and what symptoms indicate zinc deficiency?
Doctor's answer:
The main symptoms of zinc deficiency in children are:(1) Poor appetite or disinterest in eating. When zinc is deficient, the function of taste buds diminishes, leading to poor taste perception and appetite. Additionally, the activity of digestive enzymes containing zinc decreases, impairing absorption function. As a result, children with poor appetite may eventually develop anorexia.
(2) Poor growth and development in children. Their height and weight are lower than those of their peers. Severe zinc deficiency can interfere with intellectual development, causing delayed onset of secondary sexual characteristics during adolescence.