TLDR Zinc supplements and weaning cured a breast-fed baby's zinc deficiency caused by a gene mutation.
A nine-month-old breast-fed infant presented with skin eruptions, sparse hair growth, and diarrhea, which were indicative of zinc deficiency (hypozincemia type-II). The condition improved rapidly with zinc supplementation and weaning from breastfeeding, confirming the diagnosis. The study highlighted that a mutation in the zinc transporter gene SLC30A2 (ZnT-2) in mothers could lead to this deficiency in infants. The report emphasized the importance of recognizing and treating zinc deficiency in exclusively breast-fed infants to prevent prolonged morbidity.
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May 2013 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” Zinc deficiency in children can cause skin issues and can be serious if not diagnosed and treated properly.
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December 2022 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences” Zinc is crucial for skin health and treating various skin disorders.
January 2020 in “Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition” Low zinc levels in chronic liver disease patients are linked to more severe symptoms like taste issues and skin problems, and zinc supplements might help.
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January 2023 in “Frontiers in Medicine” Zinc is important for skin health, and supplements can help treat various skin and hair disorders, but more research is needed for conditions like psoriasis and vitiligo.
April 2018 in “Assiut Veterinary Medical Journal/Maǧallaẗ Asyūṭ al-ṭibiyyaẗ al-baytariyyaẗ” Zinc levels in body fluids can help diagnose zinc deficiency in lambs, with fecal zinc as an early indicator.