Brief Answer:
Suggestive of an eating disorder called 'pica'

Detailed Answer:
Hi & Welcome.
Thanks for posting your query on health care magic.
From the history given in your query your brother seems to be suffering from an eating disorder called ' PICA '. In this condition, the individual is habituated to eating non nutritious substances such as lead, chalk, clay, mud,wall paint or slate pencils. The underlying cause is usually due to deficiency of minerals such as iron, zinc and calcium. And due to long term consumption of such substances, there is a possibility of intestinal worm infestation which further complicates the picture. Also, there is underlying psychological disturbance, which might exaggerate the habit.
Had he been my patient, I would have requested certain lab tests like CBC, Stool analysis, Serum calcium and zinc levels, etc. to confirm the underlying deficiency. Accordingly, iron tablets and calcium supplements would be started. Multivitamin capsules such as A to Z capsules daily should be started for at least 3 months.
At the end of the treatment he would automatically feel a decline in the cravings. If they persist, then you might need to seek psychological assistance. Behavioural modification therapies are often needed to correct this disorder.
Hope I could answer your query. However if you have any follow up query I shall be glad to answer it.
Regards.

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Brief Answer:
Usually at this level it has no effects.

Detailed Answer:
Hi & Welcome.
Thanks for your reply.
Due to my busy schedule I could not attend your query on time.
Noted the contents of the given lab results.
All the parameters are within normal limits except for the serum zince levels which usually do not reflect the body stores of the zinc, hence at this level it is less likely to have any adverse impact on his health.
Could you please provide the following details:
1. Age of your brother?
2. Is he taking any medication? if yes, kindly give the details like name, duration, purpose of taking those medications?
3. Is he having any stomach upset problem?
Awaiting your reply so as to analyze his condition and to give an advice.
Regards.

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Brief Answer:
It appears to be more of psychological problem.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your reply, noted its contents
1. From the history and the lab tests done so far it seems to me that your brother appears to be having some psychological problem which needs to be evaluated properly by a psychiatrist as suggested earlier.
2. The symptoms of excess zinc in the body including that of hairs and other body tissues include body ache, burning sensation, chlls, fall in BP, abdominal pain, vomiting, metallic taste, etc. which is unlikely to be present in your brother.
3. Wait for the stool analysis results then consult a psychiatrist for better assessment and behaviour therapy.
Hope the suggestions given above would be useful to him.
Best regards.

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