Acrodermatitis enterohepatica occurs due to?: (A) Copper deficiency, (B) Zinc deficiency, (C) Iron deficiency, (D) Folic acid deficiency
Answer is B. Ans. B. Zinc deficiency* AE is characterized by abnormalities in zinc absorption due to defect in intestinal zinc transporter which leads to zinc deficiency.* It is a rare autosomal recessive (AR) disorder which classically present during infancy on weaning from breast milk to formula or cereal which have lower zinc bioavailability than breast milk.* Classical features of AE include: (Mnemonic- "DEAL")* Diarrhea, Depression* Eczematous erosive dermatitis* Alopecia (non scarring), Apathetic look* Lethargy, irritability, whining and crying.