Zinc is an essential nutrient for healthy body and even more important for children.  It helps the immune system to keep bacterial and viral illnesses at bay. It also helps the body develop and grow.  It is known, according to NIH, to be important for proper senses of taste and smell and is instrumental in assisting the body in protein and DNA production.

So it is needed in diets, the question is when it becomes harmful.  A recent study in Belgium found that Flemish preschoolers are taking excessive amounts of zinc.

NIH’s office of Dietary Supplements suggest that children between the ages of 1-3 years old should have an average of 3mg of zinc per day and those aged 4-8 years old take in 5 mg.  If child complains about weird taste, stomach ache, nausea, vomiting, etc. they may have had a bit of too much of zinc.

Zinc is found in oysters, red meat, and poultry.