Zinc deficiency children

It is known that zinc and cooper play an important role in immune system functioning (Kelley et al., 1995 Skalny and Rudakov, 2004 Zinc, 2001). Deficiency of these metals causes immune system dysfunctions. Recently these dysfunctions are seen to be widely distributed, especially in children. It is known also that sensitivity of the immune system to external influences differs in different age periods and it was found (Evstafyeva et al., 2002) that the influence of toxic metals is more significant in 7-11-year-old urbanized children. At the same time zinc and cooper deficiency was found in 1-6-year-old children, zinc deficiency and copper lowered contents, in... 

Some reports found an increase in liver zinc concentrations in chronic liver disease. An increase in copper and zinc liver concentrations was found in Canadian children with chronic cholestasis (Phillips et al., 1996). Another case report described the increase in zinc concentration in hepatic tissue of a child with hepatosplenomegaly and symptoms of zinc deficiency, and the authors speculated about the existence of a zinc metabolism disorder (Sampson et al, 1997). A study that investigated the concentration of metals in liver tissue of adults with hereditary hemochromatosis found an increase in zinc in the liver parenchyma. The authors suggested that the concurrent increase in iron and zinc might be explained by the greater intestinal absorption of these metals (Adams et al., 1991). 

Acute lead toxicity produces appetite loss and vomiting. Chronic toxicity leads to renal malfunction, anemia, gout, and nervous system disorders, including brain damage in children. (Lead inhibits development in fetal and child brains.) The effects are more serious for a patient deficient in calcium, zinc, or iron (see Figure 2). Available Pb + affects the structure and function of the bone marrow, where it inhibits several enzymes involved in heme synthesis. It also affects mitochondrial functions in diverse ways. It has proven difficult, however, to specify critical interactions in lead toxicity. Pb + is not particularly carcinogenic but quite toxic. Acute toxicity is dealt with by infusion of Ca +-EDTA,... 

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