Acrodermatitis enteropathica

Acrodermatitis enteropathica is a rare inherited child-hood disorder that results in the inability to absorb adequate amounts of zinc from the diet. Anyone who is severely zinc deficient can develop the same symptoms that occur in the inherited form of this disorder.

Symptoms of acrodermatitis enteropathica include skin lesions, hair loss, and diarrhea. If untreated, the condition can result in death during infancy or early childhood.

Symptoms of this condition include growth retardation, diarrhea, hair loss, and a red skin rash. Skin around the fingernails may be red and swollen.

Oysters, beef, liver, pumpkin seeds, pecans, and Brazil nuts are all high in zinc. However, people with acrodermatitis enteropathica also need to take zinc supplements.

Supplements and herbs

Supplementation with zinc brings about complete remission in hereditary acrodermatitis enteropathica. Zinc supplements in the amount of 30 to 150 mg per day are used by people with this condition. People with acrodermatitis enteropathica need to be monitored by a healthcare professional to ensure that their level of zinc supplementation is adequate and that the zinc supplements are not inducing a copper deficiency.

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