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Suggest Treatment For Inherited Zinc Deficiency

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Posted on Fri, 26 Feb 2016
Question: Daughter diagnosed as borderline, bipolar, PTSD and now CVS. I just learned fathers family carries a gene that does not allow for absorption of zinc in the brain. Could you help me find information and testing procedures? Has she been incorrectly all her life?
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Symptoms start from the childhood.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again and thanks for being on HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

Inherited zinc deficiency is an autosomal recesive condition, in other words, there is need for two defective genes ( from both parents that should be carriers of defective gene ) in order to express the disease.

Symptoms start from childhood ( after weaning off breastfeeding ) and include skin manifestations, thin hair, loss of hair, slower growth, and mood changes such depressive disorders.

Tests include measurement of zinc blood levels, genetic testing of the mutation on gene SLC39A4, hair, saliva and urine zinc levels, skin biopsy and histology.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

I remain at your disposal for further questions and clarifications.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4502 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Inherited Zinc Deficiency

Brief Answer: Symptoms start from the childhood. Detailed Answer: Hello again and thanks for being on HCM. I have read your question and understand your concerns. Inherited zinc deficiency is an autosomal recesive condition, in other words, there is need for two defective genes ( from both parents that should be carriers of defective gene ) in order to express the disease. Symptoms start from childhood ( after weaning off breastfeeding ) and include skin manifestations, thin hair, loss of hair, slower growth, and mood changes such depressive disorders. Tests include measurement of zinc blood levels, genetic testing of the mutation on gene SLC39A4, hair, saliva and urine zinc levels, skin biopsy and histology. Hope you found the answer helpful. I remain at your disposal for further questions and clarifications. Regards.