Zinc Requirements, Needs and Sources for Babies

Zinc

Zinc, found in the cells of our bodies, plays a large role in the proper growth of our bodies and the normal functioning of our immune systems. Zinc is also important for the healing, normal sexual development and reproduction.

Zinc is relatively easy to include in the diet and is found in mushrooms, wheat germ, brewer’s yeast, soybeans, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, meats, dairy, oysters, seafood (including crustaceans), legumes and even in eggs.  

As with iron, many pediatricians are recommending that babies be offered meats as a first food (though not necessarily THE first food) to help stave off possible, though unlikely, deficiencies in zinc.

You may be surprised to learn that the RDA for zinc is only 3mg for infants 6-12 months and that a deficiency in zinc is very rare.

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