What mineral is essential for wound healing in infants?

Zinc is crucial for wound healing in infants due to its significant role in maintaining cellular integrity and promoting tissue repair. It is a vital component in numerous enzymatic reactions related to protein synthesis and cell division, both of which are essential processes during the healing of wounds. Additionally, zinc contributes to the immune response, helping to prevent infections that could complicate wound healing.

When infants experience injury or surgical procedures, their requirement for zinc increases, as it is necessary for the formation of new cells and tissues. A deficiency in zinc can lead to delayed healing and increased susceptibility to infections, further complicating recovery.

While calcium, iron, and magnesium are important minerals for various bodily functions, their primary roles do not specifically pertain to the wound healing process as directly as zinc does. Calcium is essential for bone health and coagulation, iron is critical for oxygen transport in the blood, and magnesium supports numerous biochemical reactions in the body. However, in the context of wound healing specifically, zinc stands out as the essential mineral.