Fatty acid composition of plasma lipids in acrodermatitis enteropathica before and after zinc supplementation.

The fatty acid composition of different plasma lipid fractions has been estimated in a 6-month-old girl with acrodermatitis enteropathica before and after zinc supplementation. Linoleic acid and its metabolites were extremely reduced in triglycerides and sterol-esters. In contrast, n-3-fatty acids were increased in sterol-esters and phospholipids. Zinc supplementation led to quick clinical improvement, and linoleic and arachidonic acid increased rapidly in triglycerides and sterol-esters to the values of healthy infants. Fatty acids of phospholipids remained relatively stable. Our findings could be explained by impaired enteral absorption of linoleic acid. Further attention should be directed to the supply and metabolism of essential fatty acids in acrodermatitis enteropathica.