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Updated: May 2, 2026

Atomic Absorbance Spectroscopy to Measure Intracellular Zinc Pools in Mammalian Cells
Published on: May 16, 2019
Transient symptomatic zinc deficiency in a preterm exclusively breast-fed infant
André Laureano1, Susana Brás, Rodrigo Carvalho
1Hospital de Curry Cabral - Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central, Lisboa, Portugal.
Abstract:
A 5-month-old female infant, preterm, exclusively breast-fed, presented with a 2-month history of erythematous, erosive, and crusted patches and plaques in a peri-oral, scalp, genital, and peri-anal distribution. A clinical diagnosis of zinc deficiency was confirmed by a low serum zinc level in the infant and decreased maternal breast milk zinc. Complete resolution occurred within two weeks of oral zinc supplementation. Acquired zinc deficiency is a rare nutritional disorder of infants. Early diagnosis and adequate treatment will prevent associated morbidity and complications.
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