What element has been implicated in the development of sideroblastic anemia with chronic ingestion?
Chronic zinc ingestion.
Large quantities of zinc ingested chronically can lead to zinc-induced copper deficiency via inhibition of copper absorption. Copper is necessary for adequate iron utilization during erythropoeisis, therefore deficiency in copper leads to development of sideroblastic anemia.
Submitted by: Abigail Sharpe, PharmD on behalf of the Acute and Intensive Care Section
Posted in Question Of The Day