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Zinc deficiency in an exclusively breast-fed preterm infant
F Heinen1, D Matern, W Pringsheim
1Universitäts-Kinderklinik Freiburg, Germany.
European Journal of Pediatrics
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Exclusively breast-fed infants can rarely develop severe zinc deficiency syndrome, presenting with skin issues and failure to thrive. Oral zinc supplements effectively treated the condition, normalizing symptoms and lab values.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Human Physiology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Severe zinc deficiency syndrome can manifest in exclusively breast-fed infants.
- This condition, resembling acrodermatitis enteropathica, presents with distinct dermatological and systemic symptoms.
Observation:
- A formerly premature infant exclusively breast-fed exhibited erosive skin changes, alopecia, failure to thrive, and irritability.
- Diagnostic confirmation included low serum zinc (2.3 mumol/l) and alkaline phosphatase (45 U/l) levels.
Findings:
- Reduced zinc levels in breast milk (5.7 mumol/l) were identified as the probable cause.
- Oral zinc supplementation (50 mumol/kg/day) for 30 weeks led to complete symptom resolution and normalization of laboratory values.
Implications:
- Breast milk, while generally optimal, can rarely lead to insufficient zinc intake.
- Temporary oral zinc supplementation is an effective therapy for severe zinc deficiency syndrome in infants.