Can I buy zinc and multivitamins for my child to take myself? (Thu Ha, Ha Noi)
Picky eating is one of the common nutritional issues in children. When this condition persists for many weeks or months, parents should pay attention, as it may signal a deficiency in specific micronutrients.
Zinc plays a role in the activity of metabolic enzymes and taste buds on the tongue. A zinc deficiency diminishes a child's sense of taste, leading to a poor appetite and increased susceptibility to respiratory illnesses and diarrhea. Children often show additional signs such as hair loss, slow hair growth, thinning hair, brittle nails, and frequently experience restless sleep or difficulty falling asleep.
Iron is essential for blood formation and oxygen transport to organs. Iron deficiency causes anemia, making children tired, sluggish, and reducing oxygen levels in tissues, which in turn leads to a loss of appetite and poor concentration.
B vitamins (B1, B2, B6, B12) are crucial for energy metabolism. A deficiency in this group impairs the digestive system's efficiency, causing children to feel full quickly and experience indigestion, contributing to picky eating.
Deficiencies in vitamin D and calcium can cause children to sleep restlessly, cry frequently at night, leading to fatigue, irritability, and reduced food intake.
Children who are picky eaters due to micronutrient deficiencies require examination and appropriate supplementation of the missing nutrients, rather than solely being forced to eat. Forcing children to eat does not yield long-term effectiveness and can lead to a fear of food and stress.
Many parents tend to self-administer zinc, lysine, multivitamins, or appetite-enhancing products when their child eats less. However, improper self-supplementation of micronutrients can prolong the condition.
For zinc, children need to receive the correct dosage based on their age, weight, and the severity of the deficiency. If the dose is too low, zinc deficiency and picky eating will be difficult to improve. Conversely, prolonged high doses can lead to excess, affecting the absorption of iron and calcium.
In many cases, children may lack one micronutrient but receive supplementation of another, unsuitable type. This can prolong the picky eating and negatively impact the child's growth and development.
To reduce picky eating in children, parents should prioritize adjusting daily routines and care practices. Children should eat at regular times, limit snacks before main meals, vary cooking methods suitable for their age, and present meals attractively. If care practices have been adjusted but the child's picky eating persists, parents should take the child for a medical examination to assess their nutritional status, eating habits, and undergo tests if necessary.
Master, Doctor Hoang Thi Hang
Department of Nutrition
Tam Anh General Hospital Ha Noi
