Zinc deficiency occurring in females. Report of two cases.

The syndrome of dwarfism, hypogonadism, iron-deficiency anemia and geophagia, first reported in 1960 from Iran, was thought to be limited to males. In 1971-1972 two females with the same clinical features were observed over a 14-month period. The anemia responded rapidly to iron. Growth and sexual development occurred promptly when 120 mg of zinc sulfate was administered daily in conjunction with a well-balanced diet and iron supplement. This diet prior to the addition of zinc sulfate, resulted in gradual but much slower growth and sexual development. Observations in these two patients provide confirmation of the occurrence of human zinc deficiency in females, which responds to large doses of zinc salt.