At a glance
- Zinc is a mineral that helps children grow and develop.
- When children start eating solid foods, it is important that their food includes zinc.
- This mineral is especially important for babies who are fed only breast milk.
What zinc does
Children need zinc to grow and develop. Zinc is a mineral that is also important for immune function, wound healing, and the senses of smell and taste.
When and how much a child needs
Zinc is important at all stages of your child's development. When your child is about 6 months old, you can start serving solid foods with zinc. Children 7 to 24 months need 3 milligrams of zinc each day.
Making sure children get enough zinc
Once your child starts to eat solid foods, it is important to choose foods that contain zinc. Examples of foods with zinc include:
- Zinc-fortified grains (for example, zinc-fortified infant cereals).
- Meats (for example, beef or pork).
- Dairy (for example, yogurt or cheese).
- Fish (for example, flounder).
- Shellfish (for example, oysters or crab).
- Legumes (for example, beans).
Breastfed babies
For babies fed only breast milk, foods with zinc are especially important. Levels of zinc in breast milk are high after birth and go down over the first 6 months. After 6 months, it is important to introduce foods with zinc to meet nutritional needs.
Keep Reading:
Micronutrients Facts: Zinc