Zinc Deficiency and Pica Behavior in Children

Clinical Manifestations

• Zinc deficiency in children is associated with growth retardation and stunting, as well as impaired immune function leading to increased risk of infections, characteristic skin rashes, and altered taste perception and appetite 1, 2, 3, 4
• Children with zinc deficiency may exhibit delayed wound healing, dermatitis, and recurrent infections 1, 3

Diagnosis and Evaluation

• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends evaluating children with pica for potential micronutrient deficiencies, including zinc deficiency, by assessing serum zinc levels and checking for inflammatory markers such as CRP 4, 5
• Growth delays or failure to thrive, and recurrent infections are key clinical signs that should prompt zinc deficiency evaluation in children with pica 2, 3

Risk Factors

• The World Health Organization notes that inadequate zinc intake from diet, vegetarian/vegan diets, and malnutrition are risk factors for zinc deficiency in children 3
• The National Institutes of Health states that malabsorption disorders, increased gastrointestinal losses, and genetic disorders like acrodermatitis enteropathica are also risk factors for zinc deficiency in children 3, 6, 7

Management

• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends treating zinc deficiency in children with pica using 0.5-1 mg/kg per day of elemental zinc for 3-4 months, with age-specific supplementation recommendations 1, 7
• Regular monitoring of serum zinc levels and clinical symptoms is necessary to assess response to treatment, with more frequent monitoring in children with ongoing risk factors for deficiency 7