Question

When a child is diagnosed with a zinc deficiency, parents may feel confused because their child seems to be in good health with no obvious abnormalities. The children have good eating habits, are not picky, and eat a lot, but why would they suddenly be deficient in zinc? What symptoms might a zinc-deficient child exhibit?

Answer

The symptoms of zinc deficiency in children include:

  1. Loss of Appetite or Anorexia: During zinc deficiency, the function of taste buds diminishes, leading to a decrease in taste and appetite. The activity of digestive enzymes is also reduced, affecting absorption. Therefore, children may eventually develop anorexia due to poor appetite.
  2. Delayed Growth and Development: A child’s height and weight may be lower than those of their peers. Severe zinc deficiency may also affect intellectual development, leading to the late appearance of puberty signs.