Question
Slowed growth, especially in height, is a concern for many parents. If a child is three and a half years old and has a weight and height that are below those of their peers, yet their diet and sleep are normal, parents may want to understand the potential underlying causes and how to deal with them.
Answer
Based on the description, the child may be experiencing a zinc deficiency. It is recommended to take the child to the hospital for a detailed examination of trace elements, as three-year-olds are prone to deficiencies in iron and zinc. If the test results confirm this, parents can supplement through diet by providing foods such as lean meat, fish, eggs, milk, kelp, and nori, which help with nutrient absorption. For a quick zinc supplement, glucose zinc oral solution can be used. As for iron, it is usually not necessary to take specific medication.