Acrodermatitis enteropathica is a rare inherited childhood 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.
Checklist for Acrodermatitis Enteropathica
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Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit. Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary
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Symptoms of this condition include growth retardation, diarrhea, hair loss, and a red skin rash. Skin around the fingernails may be red and swollen.
Individuals with acrodermatitis are usually given over the counter zinc supplements.
Oysters, beef, liver, pumpkin seeds, pecans, and Brazil nuts are all high in zinc.1 However, people with acrodermatitis enteropathica also need to take zinc supplements.
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.2 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.
1. Murray MT. The Healing Power of Foods. Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing, 1993, 7.
2. Berkow R. Merck Manual. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Research Laboratories, 1987, 946.
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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2005.