Zinc, an essential trace element that’s present in the bones, teeth, hair, skin, testes, liver, and muscles, is also a vital component of many enzymes. Zinc promotes synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid, ribonucleic acid and, ultimately, protein, and maintains normal blood concentrations of vitamin A by mobilizing it from the liver. The prognosis is good with correction of the deficiency.
Zinc deficiency usually results from excessive intake of foods (containing iron, calcium, vitamin D, and the fiber and phytates in cereals) that bind zinc to form insoluble chelates that prevent its absorption. Occasionally, it results from blood loss due to parasitism and low intake of foods containing zinc. Alcohol and corticosteroids increase renal excretion of zinc.
Zinc deficiency is most common in people from underdeveloped countries, especially in the Middle East. Children are most susceptible to this deficiency during periods of rapid growth.
Zinc deficiency produces hepatosplenomegaly, sparse hair growth, soft and misshapen nails, poor wound healing, anorexia, hypogeusesthesia (decreased taste acuity), dysgeusia (unpleasant taste), hyposmia (decreased odor acuity), dysosmia (unpleasant odor in nasopharynx), severe iron deficiency anemia, bone deformities and, when chronic, hypogonadism, dwarfism, and hyperpigmentation.
Treatment consists of correcting the deficiency’s underlying cause and administering zinc supplements, as necessary.
❑ Advise the patient to take zinc supplements with milk or meals to prevent gastric distress and vomiting.
❑ To prevent zinc deficiency, encourage a balanced diet that includes seafood, oatmeal, bran, meat, eggs, nuts, and dry yeast and the correct use of calcium and iron supplements.
Review other book chapters online related to Acrodermatitis Enteropathica:
Copyright notice for book excerpts: Copyright © 2008 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. All rights reserved.
What do you think about the features of this website?
Take our user survey and have your say:
Tools & Services:
Medical Articles:
Treatment
Special considerations
Book Source Details
More About Acrodermatitis Enteropathica
More Medical Textbooks Online about Acrodermatitis Enteropathica
Medical Books Excerpts
More About This Book:
Title: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition)
Authors: Springhouse
Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Copyright: 2005
ISBN: 1-58255-370-X
» Next page: PEPCK Deficiency
Rate This Website
Medical Tools & Articles:
Forums & Message Boards
Search Specialists by State and City
By using this site you agree to our Terms of Use. Information provided on this site is for informational purposes only; it is not intended as a substitute for advice from your own medical team. The information on this site is not to be used for diagnosing or treating any health concerns you may have - please contact your physician or health care professional for all your medical needs. Please see our Terms of Use.
Copyright © 2009 Health Grades Inc. All rights reserved.
