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Zinc-deficiency-induced retinal dysfunction in Crohn's disease

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Summary

A patient with Crohn's disease and low serum zinc concentrations is presented who had markedly abnormal dark adaptation. Oral zinc supplementation produced an improvement in dark adaptation, and discontinuation of zinc therapy was associated with a worsening of dark adaptation. Serum vitamin A levels were normal throughout this period. We suggest that impaired retinal function is another manifestation of zinc deficiency in Crohn's disease that may be improved with zinc supplementation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Internal Medicine, Minneapolis VA Medical Center and University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota

    Craig J. McClain MD, Le-Chu Su PhD, Howard Gilbert MD & Douglas Cameron MD

  2. Graduate Faculty, Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota

    Craig J. McClain MD, Le-Chu Su PhD, Howard Gilbert MD & Douglas Cameron MD

  3. Departments of Ophthalmology, Minneapolis VA Medical Center and Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota

    Craig J. McClain MD, Le-Chu Su PhD, Howard Gilbert MD & Douglas Cameron MD

Authors
  1. Craig J. McClain MD
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  2. Le-Chu Su PhD
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  3. Howard Gilbert MD
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  4. Douglas Cameron MD
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McClain, C.J., Su, LC., Gilbert, H. et al. Zinc-deficiency-induced retinal dysfunction in Crohn's disease. Digest Dis Sci 28, 85–87 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01393365

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01393365

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