Clinical and biochemical manifestations of zinc deficiency in human subjects
Prasad AS
Published in J Am Coll Nutr, Vol. 4 (1), pp. 65-72
Methodology
Narrative review of human zinc deficiency, its causes, clinical features and biochemistry.
Key Findings
Describes deficiency in malabsorption, chronic renal disease, cirrhosis, sickle cell disease and acrodermatitis enteropathica, and in diets high in phytate. Chronic deficiency features growth retardation, male hypogonadism, skin changes, poor appetite, mental lethargy and delayed wound healing. Severe cases show dermatitis, diarrhea, alopecia, mental disturbances and infections, and are fatal if untreated.
Conclusions
Zinc deficiency is a recognized, treatable cause of illness whose likelihood is high where cereal protein predominates.
Limitations
1985 narrative review of earlier work; no pooled data; the abstract is truncated.
Supplements Studied
Growth retardation, male hypogonadism, skin changes, poor appetite, mental lethargy, and delayed wound healing
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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