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Zinc deficiency in two full-term breast-fed infants
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|February 1, 1987
Summary
Zinc deficiency can affect infants, even those breast-fed. Low zinc levels in breast milk can lead to clinical symptoms similar to genetic acrodermatitis enteropathica in infants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Human Physiology
- Nutritional Biochemistry
Background:
- Zinc deficiency is a significant health concern, arising from genetic disorders like acrodermatitis enteropathica or acquired factors such as inadequate intake or malabsorption.
- While human breast milk is generally protective, its efficacy in preventing zinc deficiency in premature and full-term infants is not absolute.
Observation:
- This study highlights that breast-fed infants, including full-term infants, can develop clinical zinc deficiency.
- Low zinc concentrations in breast milk, even without other predisposing factors, can precipitate this deficiency.
Findings:
- The clinical presentation of zinc deficiency in breast-fed infants can be indistinguishable from the genetic disorder acrodermatitis enteropathica.
- This confirms that breast milk's zinc content is critical for preventing deficiency symptoms in infants.
Implications:
- Healthcare providers should consider zinc deficiency in breast-fed infants presenting with relevant symptoms, regardless of exclusive breastfeeding.
- Monitoring zinc levels and considering supplementation may be necessary in at-risk infants to prevent severe health outcomes.
- Further research into optimal zinc levels in human breast milk and infant requirements is warranted.