Researchers of a study on dietary minerals and their effects on children have found out that adding zinc to the diets of children may help them in increasing their capability of remembering.
Study was carried on the diets of Chinese children of age between 6 to 9 years where one group received a supplement of 20mg of zinc alone and the other group was given 20 mg of zinc plus micronutrients, or micronutrients alone. Children, who had zinc in the diet, alone or with micronutrients, were related to increased attention capability, increased reasoning ability, and better psychomotor functions. For 540 children, treatment with zinc along with micronutrients made their perceptions better, as well as showing increase in reasoning and dexterity. Zinc supplements were associated with remembering objects and complex shapes better when compared to supplementing with micronutrients alone.According to the chief research person James G. Penland, the required dietary allowance for zinc is 11mg daily for boys of age 14 yrs to 18 yrs and 9mg for the girls of the same age. The recommended dietary allowance for children in the age group of 9 to 13 yrs is 8mg daily.
Reference: Experimental Biology 2005 meeting, April 2005
