Zinc Dosage for a 1-Year-Old Child
For a 1-year-old child, the recommended dose of oral zinc drops is 100 micrograms per kilogram of body weight per day (100 μg/kg/day). 1
Dosage Guidelines by Age
- For infants from 3 to 12 months of age, the recommended zinc dosage is 100 μg/kg/day (0.1 mg/kg/day) 1
- For children older than 12 months, the dosage decreases to 50 μg/kg/day (0.05 mg/kg/day), up to a maximum of 5 mg/day for routine supplementation 1
- Since a 1-year-old is at the transition point between these age groups, the higher dosage (100 μg/kg/day) is typically recommended to ensure adequate zinc intake 1
Administration Considerations
- Zinc oral drops should be administered as directed by the manufacturer, typically once daily 2
- The drops can be mixed with a small amount of liquid or food to improve acceptance 2
- Avoid administering zinc with foods high in phytates, which can reduce absorption 1
- For optimal absorption, zinc supplements should ideally be given between meals rather than with food 1
Special Circumstances Requiring Dose Adjustment
- For children with diarrhea or increased gastrointestinal fluid losses, higher doses may be required 1
- In cases of zinc deficiency, therapeutic doses of 0.5-1 mg/kg per day of elemental zinc may be given for 3-4 months 1
- For children with diarrheal illness, zinc supplementation has been shown to reduce duration and severity, though lower doses (5-10 mg) may be as effective as the standard 20 mg dose with fewer side effects like vomiting 3, 4
Monitoring and Safety
- Common side effects include gastric irritation and vomiting, which occur more frequently at higher doses 2, 3
- In children on long-term zinc supplementation, monitor serum zinc levels and alkaline phosphatase periodically 1
- Excessive zinc intake can interfere with copper absorption; periodic determination of serum copper levels is recommended during prolonged supplementation 2
- Organic zinc compounds (zinc histidinate, zinc gluconate, zinc orotate) may have better tolerability than inorganic forms (zinc sulfate, zinc chloride) 1
Important Considerations
- Zinc is an essential nutrient involved in metabolism of energy, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids 1
- Zinc deficiency in children can lead to stunted growth, increased risk of infections, and characteristic skin rash 1
- For premature infants or children with specific medical conditions, consult with a pediatrician for appropriate dosing 1