Prasad, et al. described zinc deficiency in an area of Persia (see Arch Int
Med 1961;111:407). As I recall, the rare disorder was attributed to low
environmental zinc, and, as you suggest, a dietary constituent that rendered
zinc non-bioavailable.
Roger Bertholf
Univ. Fla. Health Sci Cntr/Jacksonville
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Peter Stromberg [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Monday, December 03, 2001 9:30 AM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Earth eaters
>
>
> Wasnt Zinc deficiency described in some earth eaters in
> remote parts of Persia? Any Iranian listeners may be able to
> confirm or refute this.
>
> >>> Ian Young <[log in to unmask]> 12/03/01 01:50pm >>>
> This phenomenon (pica) is surprisingly common and may indeed be
> associated with mineral deficiency. See for instance:
>
> Rose EA, Porcerelli JH, Neale AV. Pica: common but commonly
> missed. J Am Board Fam Pract. 2000 Sep-Oct;13(5):353-8. Review.
>
>
> Best wishes
>
> Ian Young
>
>
>
> On Mon, 3 Dec 2001 13:23:27 -0000 "Simpson Elliott (MK) Top
> Grade Biochemist, Laboratory Directorate"
> <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
> > Just had a query from a local GP.
> >
> > She has a 38 year old female patient who is an IDDM with
> > atrocious diet, personality disorder and depression. She dreams
> > that she lies on a beach eating sand and for real she picks bits
> > of earth off the dirty potatoes in the shops and eats the earth.
> >
> > GP wonders if this is associated with any mineral deficiencies.
> >
> > Elliott Simpson
> > Clinical Director Laboratories & Pharmacy
> >
> >
> >
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> ----------------------
> Professor IS Young
> Department of Medicine
> Wellcome Research Laboratories
> Mulhouse Building
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> Northern Ireland
> tel: +44 2890 263106
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