Does a child with diarrhea need zinc supplementation?

Whether children with diarrhea need zinc supplementation depends on the specific circumstances. 1. Zinc is one of the essential trace elements for the human body and plays an important role in children's growth, development, and immune function. During diarrhea, children lose significant amounts of zinc; therefore, zinc supplementation is necessary under certain conditions. Supplementing zinc can not only shorten the duration of diarrhea but also reduce its severity. 2. Zinc supplementation is mainly achieved through oral zinc preparations. Children with diarrhea may need to receive 10–20 mg of zinc daily, and supplementation typically occurs within 10–14 days after the onset of diarrhea. However, zinc supplementation should be done in appropriate amounts, as excessive intake may interfere with the absorption of other trace elements, such as iron and copper. It is recommended that zinc supplementation be conducted under a doctor's guidance.