Diagnostic indices of zinc deficiency in children with renal diseases.

Abnormal taste acuity and zinc depletion have been reported with endstage renal disease. In order to determine when altered taste and zinc deficiency begin in the course of chronic progressive renal disease and to assess the various indices of zinc depletion, 14 pediatric patients were studied who were in various degrees of renal failure. They were not yet on dialysis or in need of transplantation. Taste acuity was abnormal in all patients. The mean plasma zinc levels were less than normal, but the differences were not statistically significant. The hair and RBC zinc concentrations, however, were significantly depressed. Analysis of the data indicate that zinc deficiency begins early in the course of chronic renal failure, that hair and RBC zinc measurements are the most reliable indicators of zinc status, and that poor intake of zinc containing foods is the major cause of the zinc depletion.