As a parent, you're doing a lot. From packing school lunches to managing after-school chaos, your days are full of choices that support your child’s health and happiness. But when it comes to building a strong immune system, there’s one small-but-mighty nutrient that often flies under the radar- zinc.
Zinc might not be something you think about every day, but it’s essential for your child’s immunity. Zinc also plays a role in your kids’ bones and skin health, energy metabolism, and connective tissue formation. Understanding zinc is a place to start.
What is Zinc?
Zinc is a mineral your child’s body needs to stay healthy, but it can’t make or store it. That means they need a steady supply of zinc from food, or sometimes supplements, every single day.
Zinc helps with:
- Building and maintaining a strong immune system
- Healing cuts and scrapes
-
Supporting growth and development
When it comes to immune health, zinc is a front-line defender. According to research, zinc plays a key role in activating immune cells and fighting infections. Without enough zinc, the immune system isn’t able to work as well.
Zinc in Kids: What Does It Do?
Zinc for kids - it’s an essential nutrient. From growth to fighting germs they encounter at school, zinc is a mineral that supports kids’ health.
Here are some of the ways zinc supports health in kids:
- Boosts immunity by supporting the white blood cells that fight off viruses
- Helps wounds from paper cuts to playground escapes heal
- Promotes healthy growth
-
Supports gut health (which is closely linked to immunity)
Science-backed Nutrition: Known best for its ability to support immune health, experts suggest zinc supplements can help fight off the common cold in kids. Research found that children who took zinc supplements had shorter and less severe colds. That’s a big win for both kids and parents.
Do Kids Need Zinc?
Yes, zinc is an essential nutrient that is required for the healthy growth and development of kids. Kids need zinc to grow strong and stay well.
But, since zinc isn’t stored in the body, it needs to be part of their daily diet or routine. That’s where food—and sometimes a kid's zinc gummy—comes in.
Signs of Zinc Deficiency in Kids
While zinc deficiency isn’t very common in Canada, between 4% and 10% of kids in the United States have levels below the recommended level.
Here are some common signs of zinc deficiency include:
- Frequent colds or infections*
- Cuts or scrapes that take a long time to heal
- Low appetite or changes in taste
- Skin rashes or dry, irritated skin
- Stomach troubles like diarrhea
- Slower growth
If you are concerned about your child's health, talk to a qualified health care practitioner.
Science-backed Nutrition: Low zinc levels in kids have been linked with more infections and poor growth in research studies.
Sources of Zinc
You can find zinc in everyday foods, especially animal-based ones.
Zinc-rich foods for kids:
- Meat (beef, pork, chicken)
- Eggs
- Dairy (milk, yogurt, cheese)
- Whole grains (oats, brown rice, quinoa)
- Beans, chickpeas, lentils
-
Nuts and seeds (especially pumpkin seeds)
Tips for Parents: How to Get More Zinc into Your Child’s Day
Try adding a few zinc-rich foods into meals and snacks throughout the day. But if that’s a struggle, a zinc gummy can help fill the gaps. Here are some quick, parent-approved ideas:
- Build zinc into meals: Mix lentils into pasta sauce, top toast with nut butter, or serve eggs for breakfast.
- Zinc-powered snacks: Try Greek yogurt with pumpkin seeds or a hard-boiled egg with whole grain crackers.
- Supplement smartly: A kids zinc gummy like Nature’s Bounty Kids’ Immune Defense makes it easy and fun.
- Meal prep together: Let your child help plan or prep meals—they’ll be more excited to try new foods.
- Be consistent: A little zinc every day goes a long way in supporting their immune health.
Is It Safe to Give a Child Zinc?
Yes, zinc is an essential nutrient kids require to be healthy. For infants with diarrhea, the World Health Organization recommends zinc supplementation. If you’re considering a zinc supplement for your child, consult your health care provider for a recommendation. Stick to age-appropriate doses, and follow the label on any kids' zinc gummy or supplement. Always check with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about your child’s health.
Best Zinc Supplement for Kids
If you're looking for the best zinc supplement for kids, try a zinc gummy. Tasty gummy vitamins are a great choice for kids - easy to chew and swallow, gummy supplements can help make at least one part of parenting a little easier.
Try Nature’s Bounty Kids’ Immune Defense with Zinc gummies - a kids' zinc gummy you can feel good about!
- Immune support
- Only 1g of sugar per gummy
- No artificial flavours, colours, or additives
- Delicious mixed berry flavour kids love
Nature’s Bounty has been supporting families like yours for over 50 years with high-quality, research-backed supplements made to support your body’s natural greatness.
It’s In Your Nature to Nurture
Raising healthy, happy kids takes heart, and you're already showing up in all the right ways. Supporting your child’s immune health with zinc is just one more step. Nature’s Bounty Kids’ Immune Defense with Zinc supports immune health, helping your child be ready for whatever the day brings.
Try the NEW Nature’s Bounty Kids - vitamins you can feel good about.
Available across major Canadian retailers and pharmacies.
References:
The evidence linking zinc deficiency with children's cognitive and motor functioning. J Nutr. 2003 May;133(5 Suppl 1):1473S-6S
Zinc intake and health outcomes: an umbrella review. Front Nutr 7 Feb 2022; 9.
Zinc supplementation for preventing mortality, morbidity, and growth failure in children aged 6 months to 12 years of age. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2014, 5.
Zinc Intake, Zinc Serum Levels, and Intelligence in School Children in Rural Areas. Open Access Maced J Med Sci [Internet]. 2021 Apr 25.
Essential Role of Vitamin C and Zinc in Child Immunity and Health. Journal of International Medical Research. 2010;38(2):386-414.
Clinical potential of zinc in prophylaxis of the common cold. Expert Review of Respiratory Medicine, 5(3), 301–303.
Zinc for the common cold--not if, but when. J Fam Pract. 2011 Nov;60(11):669-71.