Do we need to supplement calcium and zinc for children in winter

Whether it is necessary to supplement calcium and zinc for children in winter should be judged based on their dietary status and individual differences. If the daily diet is balanced, there is usually no need for additional supplementation; If there are picky eaters, insufficient sunlight, or delayed growth and development, appropriate supplementation can be made under the guidance of a doctor.

1. Balanced diet without supplementation

Calcium and zinc are widely present in daily food. Milk, cheese, tofu, and other foods are rich in calcium, while oysters, lean meat, nuts, and other foods are good sources of zinc. If a child can consume an appropriate amount of dairy products, soy products, seafood, and animal based foods daily, and there are no special consumption diseases, it can generally meet their growth and development needs. Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes the five grains as nourishment and the five fruits as assistance, and consuming them naturally is more in line with the principles of health preservation.

2. Insufficient sunlight requires calcium supplementation

Winter sunlight exposure time is shortened, which may affect the skin's synthesis of vitamin D, thereby reducing the absorption rate of calcium. For children who have significantly reduced outdoor activities, they can follow the doctor's advice to supplement vitamin D preparations such as vitamin D drops, combined with calcium rich foods. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the kidneys govern the bones and produce the marrow. Proper warming and tonifying of the liver and kidneys during winter can help with calcium deposition. It is recommended to consume medicinal and edible products such as black sesame and walnuts.

3. Picky eaters should pay attention to zinc

Zinc deficiency is common in picky eaters, manifested as symptoms such as decreased appetite and slow growth. Traditional Chinese medicine classifies this situation as weakness of the spleen and stomach. It is suggested to improve it through spleen strengthening diet, such as yam porridge, poria cocos cake, etc. If zinc deficiency is confirmed through testing, preparations such as zinc gluconate oral solution can be used under the guidance of a doctor, while increasing the frequency of intake of foods such as shellfish and egg yolks.

4. Follow medical advice for special illnesses

Premature infants, children with chronic diarrhea, or patients with certain genetic metabolic diseases may experience mineral absorption disorders. Such situations need to be evaluated by pediatricians before developing personalized plans, and should not be blindly supplemented on their own. Traditional Chinese medicine often uses the method of strengthening the spleen and benefiting the kidneys to regulate this type of constitution, combined with professional massage techniques to promote the function of spleen and stomach circulation.

5. Excessive supplementation carries risks

Long term excessive calcium supplementation may lead to constipation and kidney stones, while excessive zinc can interfere with copper and iron absorption. Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes the balance of yin and yang, and any nutritional supplement should be moderate. It is recommended to use tongue diagnosis, pulse diagnosis, and other diagnostic methods to determine a child's physical condition. Priority should be given to dietary supplements, and if necessary, medication such as calcium carbonate granules and licorice zinc granules should be used for a short period of time under the guidance of a doctor.

In winter, children can take warm yang foods such as red dates and millet porridge in the morning, and use wormwood to soak feet in the evening to promote blood circulation in combination with the theory of chronology in traditional Chinese medicine. Moderately perform traditional guidance techniques such as Eight Section Brocade to help promote the circulation of qi and blood. If considering supplementing nutrients, it is recommended to conduct dietary assessment and trace element testing first to avoid repeated supplementation. Daily use of seasonal root vegetables and fermented foods is recommended, which not only conforms to the concept of winter storage and health preservation, but also provides a natural source of minerals.