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Also indexed as:

Acrodermatitis Enteropathy, Zinc Malabsorption (Inherited)

Overview

What you need to know

Controlling zinc deficiency is key to treating this rare childhood disorder. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may help balance zinc levels and keep symptoms in check:

Reach for the supplements
Overcome the poor mineral absorption associated with acrodermatitis by taking zinc supplements as recommended by your healthcare provider

These recommendations are not comprehensive and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or pharmacist. Continue reading the full acrodermatitis article for more in-depth, fully-referenced information on medicines, vitamins, herbs, and dietary and lifestyle changes that may be helpful.

About acrodermatitis

Acrodermatitis enteropathica is a rare inherited childhood disorder that results in the inability toabsorb adequate amounts of zinc from the diet. Anyone who is severely zincdeficient 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, thecondition can result in death during infancy or early childhood.

Check list

Product ratings for acrodermatitis enteropathica

Rating	Nutritional Supplements	Herbs
	Zinc
Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit. Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit. An herb is primarily supported by traditional use, or the herb or supplement has little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.

Symptoms

What are the symptoms?

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

Diet

Dietary changes that may be helpful

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.

Supplements

Vitamins that may be helpful

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.

Are there any side effects or interactions?

Refer to the individual supplement for information aboutany side effects or interactions.

References

Murray MT. The Healing Power of Foods. Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing, 1993, 7.
Berkow R. Merck Manual. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Research Laboratories, 1987, 946.

Last Review: 09-01-2007

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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 June 2009.