Catalog

Myelopathy due to excess of zinc

No MMS code

Link to WHO Definition

Myelopathy due to excess of zinc – http://id.who.int/icd/entity/1935468582

Zinc-induced myeloneuropathy was recently (re)discovered and its pathophysiology elaborated as resulting from secondary copper deficiency. Excess zinc blocks copper absorption by binding to copper molecules through intestinal metallothionein. Oral intake of zinc in excess of the minimum daily requirement (approximately 15 mg/d) can deplete total body copper stores, but this treatment may take years to show effect.