For young children, should zinc be supplemented arbitrarily?

My child is currently 10 months old. His weaning diet is quite diverse. Recently, I noticed that my child does not look as rosy as before, so I bought biological iron and zinc to supplement. Doctor, let me ask you a few questions. Should iron and zinc be supplemented only when micronutrients are deficient or can it be supplemented normally? If I need to supplement, how should I supplement? I heard that I can supplement iron and zinc for at least 2 months and then stop. I have only supplemented one bottle. For example, if I want to stop, can I stop immediately or do I need to wait until the 2-month period is over? In addition, can the doctors advise on ways to detoxify the liver and kidneys for children? Thank you, doctor.

Báo Đồng Nai•20/04/2025

(Ms. Nguyen Hong Nhung, residing in Bien Hoa city)

Doctor replied:

Hello!

Below is information to help you better understand iron and zinc supplementation and health care for your baby:

1. Iron and zinc supplementation: Only when necessary or can it be supplemented as a prophylactic?

- Supplement only when necessary: Iron and zinc supplementation is usually only recommended when prescribed by a doctor after examination and testing, determining that the baby is deficient in micronutrients.

- Contingency supplement: Normally, contingency supplement is only applied in special cases, for example:

Premature, low birth weight baby.
The baby has an inadequate diet (less foods rich in iron and zinc such as meat, fish, eggs, green vegetables)
Children with chronic illnesses or susceptible to infections
Areas of residence at high risk of micronutrient deficiency.

- However, preventive supplementation also needs to be specifically advised by a doctor to avoid the risk of excess micronutrients, which is harmful to the body.

2. Can I stop taking iron and zinc supplements after taking one bottle?

- If you have started taking iron and zinc supplements without a doctor's prescription, you can stop taking them without having to complete a 2-month course. Long-term supplementation without a real need can cause accumulation and affect your baby's health (for example, excess iron can cause constipation, liver and kidney damage; excess zinc can reduce the absorption of other micronutrients and cause immune disorders).

3. Is liver and kidney detoxification necessary for children?

- In young children, the liver and kidneys function effectively and naturally perform the body's detoxification function. If the child does not have liver or kidney disease or has not been exposed to toxic substances, there is no need to take detoxification measures.

Therefore, if you feel that your baby is not as rosy as before, take him to the doctor for a general check-up, including blood tests (if necessary) to assess the micronutrient status. Focus on providing natural nutrition through food (beef, liver, eggs, fish, green vegetables, fruits rich in vitamin C to increase iron absorption...).

Wish you good health!

Specialist Doctor 1 Mai Xuan Tam,

Department of Pediatrics, Au Co Hospital