PEDIATRICS · 1964 · 227 citations · 0 references
AgricultureNutritional SciencesPediatricsChild NutritionClinical NutritionPediatric NutritionCopper DeficiencyCopper MetabolismInfant Micronutrient NutritionMalnutritionMineral SupplementationNutritional DeficienciesCopper Deficiency In InfancyCopper Deficiency In PrematurityCopper Deficiency PhysiologyCopper Metabolism DisordersCopper Nutrition In InfancyDietary Copper IntakeLow-calorie DietsSevere Anemia
In four severely malnourished infants who were rehabilitated on high-calorie, low-Cu diets, we have observed the appearance of severe anemia, marked neutropenia, scurvy-like bone changes, and hypocupremia. In 2 cases there was a prompt and dramatic response to Cu supplementation. In the other 2, slower but good responses were obtained with vitamin B12; supplemental Cu produced further responses. The Cu requirement of rapidly growing infants with poor stores is estimated at between 42 and 135 µg/kg/day.