Prolonged zinc use for dysgeusia causing copper deficiency

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Science
• Hematology
• Neurology

Background:

• Zinc is vital for taste perception and used for dysgeusia in cancer patients.
• Overconsumption of zinc can lead to copper deficiency, an under-recognized condition.
• Copper deficiency symptoms include fatigue, nausea, anemia, and myelopathy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the risk of copper deficiency due to prolonged zinc supplementation.
• To present a case of hypocupremia in a patient with multiple myeloma.

Main Methods:

• A case study of a patient in his 70s with multiple myeloma and gastroparesis.
• Patient presented with symptoms of fatigue, anemia, and neurological deficits after 2 years of zinc supplementation.
• Diagnosis of hypocupremia confirmed, followed by inpatient treatment with IV cupric chloride.

Main Results:

• The patient experienced gradual symptom improvement over 5-6 weeks following IV cupric chloride treatment.
• Hypocupremia was identified as the cause of the patient's symptoms.
• Neurological and hematological deficits improved with copper repletion.

Conclusions:

• Clinicians must screen for copper deficiency in patients on zinc supplements.
• Avoid prolonged zinc courses or overprescribing to prevent hypocupremia.
• Prompt diagnosis and treatment of hypocupremia are essential to avoid irreversible neurological damage.