Patient's question:
Child (has not supplemented much calcium before, slightly deficient in zinc) Age: Seven years old, starting to lose teeth. What kind of calcium is suitable at this time? Can zinc be supplemented at the same time? What should be noted in diet, and which foods are better to eat more? Thank you!Doctor's answer:
Generally, calcium and zinc cannot be supplemented together because, chemically, both zinc and calcium are divalent metal ions. Taking them simultaneously can lead to antagonism due to competition for the same protein carriers, severely impairing calcium absorption while zinc is almost not absorbed. At least two hours should be between supplementing zinc and calcium. Alternatively, zinc can be taken first to promote the division, growth, and regeneration of bone cells in children, laying a solid foundation for calcium deposition.