[Dysphagia] Re: zinc deficiencies and PICA

[Gayle335 at aol.com (Gayle335@aol.com)]

In a message dated 5/19/2004 9:46:47 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
dysphagia-request@b9.com writes:
I was at a feeding conference last year where a nutritionist mentioned zinc
deficiencies relating to PICA - has anyone ever heard of this?  She didn't
expand on it more than that.  This conf. was targeted towards children.  I
had one child who would eat pilled up carpet and furniture fuzz.  Mom went
to the health food store to check into it and the owner said she had heard
of the link also.  They tried it for a bit and didn't see a change.   I
currently have a child who seeks out any dirt he can find to eat, but is
very aversive to most foods - eats only yogurt and drinks bottles (2 1/2
yrs. - mild developmental delays, but some significant sleep disturbances).
Any medical people out there who can shed some light?   Thanks so much in
advance! 
I haven't heard of the link to zinc deficiencies, but I know that there is a 
link between iron deficiency and PICA.  I experienced it first hand with my 
daughter when she was 3-4 years of age.  Once we decreased her milk consumption 
(it inhibits the absorption of iron) and put her on an iron supplement for 1 
month, the PICA stopped.  She was eating/chewing her hair, paper, towels and 
blankets.