Zinc Deficiency | Medtick
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Zinc Deficiency

What is it?

Primary acrodermatitis enteropathica is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder and manifests when two defective genes are inherited (one from each parent).

  • Carriershave one normal gene and one defective gene and will not usually have any symptoms of the disease.
  • The SLC39A4 gene located on chromosome 8q24.3 codes for the zinc transporter protein, ZIP4. A mutation in SLC39A4 disturbs the uptake, transport and overall optimum control and level of is affected  causing partial absorption of zinc in ones intestine.
  • Also a large number of enzymes require zinc as a cofactor hence a defect in enzymes or not the right amount of enzymes are absorbed for further body function.

Deficiency causing Conditions

Treatments

  • Intestinal bypass surgery

Syndromes

Symptoms of Deficiency

  • Loss of appetite leading to weight loss
  • Poor growth
  • Loss of taste and smell (for some can cause oral thrush)
  • Poor wound healing
  • Hair loss
  • Night blindness
  • Depression
  • Diarrhoea
  • Skin conditions:

Female:

  • Lack of menstrual period

Nail changes:

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

Do not wait, phone for an ambulance if have or develop:

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Zinc Deficiency in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).

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