Prolonged poor appetite in children: Don't overlook the risk of zinc deficiency.

Poor appetite in young children is becoming a concern for many families, not only in urban areas but also in rural areas. Many parents believe this is just a matter of eating habits, but according to nutritionists, this condition may be a sign of micronutrient deficiencies, especially zinc.

According to data from the 2019-2020 National Institute of Nutrition's National Nutrition Survey , the rate of zinc deficiency in children under 5 years old in Vietnam remains high, at over 50%, indicating a significant public health issue.

Dr. Dinh Thi Nguyen , Head of the Nutrition Department at the Ca Mau Provincial Center for Disease Control, stated : Zinc is a crucial micronutrient for growth , immunity, and appetite in children . Zinc deficiency doesn't often manifest dramatically ; children usually just eat poorly, gain weight slowly, or experience minor illnesses, so mothers often don't pay attention . If prolonged, this condition can affect both the physical and intellectual development of children.

Besides reducing appetite, zinc deficiency also weakens children's immune systems, making them more susceptible to illnesses such as respiratory infections, affecting bone development, causing hair loss, diarrhea, and prolonged infections.

According to observations, prolonged anorexia in children is quite common nowadays , especially among children under 5 years old. Ms. Tran Thi Lil from Quach Pham commune shared: "There was a period when my child ate very little, and I had to coax him for an hour at each meal. He often coughed and lost weight, so the family was very worried. When we took him to the doctor, we found out the cause was zinc deficiency. After receiving advice from the doctor on adjusting his diet and supplementing micronutrients properly, my child 's condition has improved significantly, he eats better, and especially, he gets sick less often."

Zinc supplementation shouldn't rely solely on medication; it needs to be combined with a balanced diet. Most importantly, during the first 24 months of life, mothers need to provide the right and sufficient amounts of essential food groups and necessary micronutrients in their children's weaning diet. Foods rich in zinc should be increased in children's daily diets , such as: red meat (beef, pork) , seafood (shrimp, crab, fish) , eggs, milk and dairy products , legumes, and nuts . Furthermore, mothers should not self-administer zinc supplements for extended periods. The correct dosage, duration, and guidance from a specialist doctor are crucial to avoid micronutrient imbalances. Proper and adequate zinc supplementation not only promotes healthy child development but also contributes to reducing malnutrition rates in young children, Dr. Nguyen advises.

In reality, many cases of micronutrient deficiencies in children go undetected because mothers or caregivers focus only on the quantity of food consumed and neglect nutritional quality. Therefore, when children exhibit symptoms such as prolonged poor appetite, slow weight gain, or frequent illnesses, families should take them for a medical examination to receive assessment , advice , and timely micronutrient supplementation .

Poor appetite is not simply a habit but can be a warning sign of micronutrient deficiencies. Early detection and appropriate intervention will help children develop comprehensively and boost their immunity from the early years of life.

Source: https://soyte.camau.gov.vn/bai-khoa-hoc-chinh-tri-va-xa-hoi/tre-bieng-an-keo-dai-dung-bo-qua-nguy-co-thieu-kem-298552