Acrodermatitis
Enteropathica
(Zinc Deficiency)
A rare, genetically acquired metabolic disease
first noted in early childhood.
|
 |
| Acrodermatitis appears in young children |
|
|
DESCRIPTION
Acrodermatitis Enteropathica is a rare genetic childhood metabolic disorder that inhibits the absorption of zinc from nutritional intake. It is generally not noticed in the newborn as breast milk seems to deliver zinc in a way that avoids signs of the disease. If not identified and treated, the individual will die within a few years of birth. This condition deserves attention because the symptoms and disease prognosis are identical to people in the general population who are severely zinc deficient.
Typical symptoms of Zinc Deficiency and Acrodermatitis Enteropathica are decreased appetite, skin lesions, hair loss and diarrhea. In extreme cases zinc deficiency can result in chronic malnutrition and even anorexia nervosa. This happens because zinc deficiency results in even greater loss of appetite, creating a vicious cycle of increasing malnutrition. Depressed levels of zinc can be caused by various chronic diseases including diabetes, depressed kidney function, alcoholism and malignancies. Aging individuals frequently have low zinc levels. Zinc loss can also be seen in some people who rely on plant based or strict vegetarian diets.
Zinc is an important trace mineral in the body, second only to iron in its concentration. Zinc is needed for the immune system to function properly. It’s important for cell division, cell growth, wound healing, the senses of smell and taste, and carbohydrate metabolism. It is a component of the enzyme carbonic anhydraze. Carbonic anhydraze serves as a catalyst to interconvert, (change into each other) carbon dioxide and bicarbonate; it helps to maintain acid-base balance in the blood and other body tissues and organs, and also to help in carbon dioxide transport.
Zinc levels vary widely between individuals. It also varies widely within individuals measured over time. This is another area where scientific understanding is incomplete. We are currently unable to accurately measure or determine the necessary levels of zinc in the body for optimal health.
TREATMENT
This genetic abnormality requires daily supplementation in the range of 1/2 to 1 mg zinc per pound of body weight.
Foods high in protein contain significant amounts of zinc. Beef, pork and lamb have high amounts of zinc, fish has less. The dark meat of chicken has more than the white meat. Peanuts and beans have zinc. A balanced diet is your best source of zinc. Zinc supplementation should be carefully implemented since too much zinc can cause diarrhea, cramps and vomiting.
Guidelines:
Infants:
* 0-6 months: 2 mg*/day
* 7-12 months: 3 mg/day
Children and Adolescents
* 1-3 years: 3 mg/day
* 4-8 years: 5 mg/day
* 9-13 years: 8 mg/day
Males:
* 14 and older: 11 mg/day
Females:
* 14-18 years: 9 mg/day
* 19 and older: 8 mg/day
*mg is milligrams
SOURCES
Institute of Medicine, Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Carotenoids. National Academy Press, Washington, DC, 2000.
Cawood, F.W. Foods, Vitamins and Supplements that Prevent Disease
FC&A Peachtree City GA 1997
Gaby, A.R., The Natural Pharmacy Healthnotes
Div. Random House, NYC 2006
|
|