Overview

There are many diseases of which we don't have proper knowledge Brandt syndrome is also named as acrodermatitis enteropathica, danbolt-cross syndrome, and zinc deficiency, congenital syndrome. It is an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder that affects the zinc uptake from the mucus membrane in the inner lining of the bowel. In infants zinc deficiency causes alopecia, diarrhea, acral dermatitis, anal pustules and, steatorrhea. Other related symptoms are growth retardation, depression, irritability, photophobia, and muscle wasting etc. This disease was first described in 1936. In 1942 Danbolt and Closs give another name to Brandt syndrome that is Acrodermatitis enteropathica.

The Brandt syndrome is caused by the absence of the ligand that is important for zinc absorption. If this disease left untreated it creates a fatal situation. It is a rare genetic disorder that is shown by intestinal abnormalities. Lack of zinc in the body causes zinc inflammation, pustular dermatitis around the mouth or anus, irritability, emotional disturbances, diarrhea, and abnormal nails.

What are the signs and symptoms of Brandt syndrome?

The different signs and symptoms of this syndrome are mentioned below:

  1. Skin becomes dry
  2. Blisters on the skin
  3. Pustule
  4. Alopecia (on scalp, eyebrows, and eyelids)
  5. Glossitis
  6. Skin lesions
  7. Emotional liability
  8. Inflammation of the skin around the opening of mouth, eyes, anus, elbows, knees, feet, and hands
  9. Inflamed skin around the nails
  10. Conjunctivitis

These symptoms vary from person to person. A person with the same disease may not have all the signs and symptoms listed above.

In the congenital form, the blood zinc level is abnormally low. When a zinc-binding factor in lactating women is lacking then the infants of the mother develop low zinc in the blood level.

What are the causes of Brandt syndrome?

Brandt syndrome is transmitted as an autosomal recessive genetic disorder. It is a result of mutations in the SLC39A4 gene. The genetic disorders are determined by a combination of genes that are on the chromosomes and received from a mother and a father. Recessive genetic disorders occur when an individual inherits the same abnormal gene for the same trait from each mother and father. If an individual receives one gene of the disease and one normal gene, then the person will be the carrier for the disease. The risk for two carrier parents to both pass the defective gene, hence it affects the 25% of a child at each pregnancy. The risk of this syndrome is the same for females and males.

Most of the women fail to generate adequate zinc level in breast milk. A single mutation in the SLC30A2 reduces  breast milk zinc.

Who is affected more with Brandt syndrome?

The congenital form of Brandt syndrome is a rare disorder that begins during infancy. This incidence is very rare and affects both male and female in equal proportion. The acquired Brandt syndrome is rare as zinc supplements added to the parenteral nutrition. Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa areas people are more prone to this syndrome.

Which other disorders are related to Brandt syndrome?

Gluten enteropathy (Celiac sprue) syndrome is related to this syndrome. In this syndrome there is intolerance to dietary gluten. The symptoms that are related to this syndrome are chronic diarrhea, weight loss, intestinal gas, bloating, muscle wasting, and abdominal cramps.

What is the natural management for Brandt syndrome?

According to Ayurveda the reason for Brandt syndrome is an imbalance of three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). For the proper management of this syndrome natural herbs are present . Planet Ayurveda an ayurvedic clinic offers various products that will deal with all signs and symptoms related to Brandt syndrome.

Curcumin capsules:

The curcuminoid extract from turmeric is used for capsules formation. These capsules show anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-oxidant properties that will manage signs and symptoms of Brandt syndrome. The other name of Turmeric is Haridra.

हरिद्रा कटुका तिक्ता रुक्षोष्ण कफपित्तनुत।
वर्ण्या त्वगदोषमेहास्त्रशोथपाण्डुव्रणापहा।

Reference:- Bhavprakash nighantu, shlok no 197, haritkyadi verga

Meaning:- This shloka represents that Haridra herb increases skin complexion. This herb is very effective in all types of skin disorders. The herb gives good results in diabetes, blood disorders, inflammation, anemia, and also help in wound healing.

Daily essentials:

These herbal capsules are prepared from ingredients like Bhumiamala (Phyllanthus niruri), Green tea (Camellia sinensis), Grape seed (Vitis vinifera), and Cow colostrum (Bovine colostrum) that is rich in vitamins and minerals. The antioxidant nature of these capsules removes toxins out of the body. Daily Essential Capsules provide proper nourishment and deal with the signs and symptoms related to Brandt syndrome.

Recommended dosage: Take one to two capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

Wheat grass powder:

Wheat Grass Powder is prepared from the standardized extract of herb wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum). This herbal powder is rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and enzymes. It helps in the purification of the blood and builds a healthy immune system. All signs and symptoms related to Brandt syndrome are treated with the regular use of this powder.

Directions of use:

Take one teaspoonful of this powder in a glass of water. Drink this mixture twice or thrice daily.

Radiant skin hair nail formula:

These herbal capsules are prepared from herbs like Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), Pit papda (Fumaria officinalis), Chirata (Swertia chiretta), and Ghrit kumari (Aloe barbadensis) that provides good result in skin problems. The signs and symptoms related to Brandt syndrome are controlled with the regular use of these capsules. As the herbs in these capsules show anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant properties. It keeps your skin healthy, removes dead skin, and dryness. The inflammation in the skin is reduced with these capsules. It maintains the overall health of skin, hair, and nails.

Recommended dosage: Take one to two capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

Along with these medicines maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle to stay fit and disease free. Always eat fresh food and avoid fried, stale, and processed food items as it causes disease in your body

Author's Bio: 

R. Vikram Chauhan, MD -AYURVEDA is an expert Ayurvedic practitioner based in Chandigarh, India and doing his practice in Mohali, India. He is spreading the knowledge of Ayurveda Ancient healing treatment, not only in India but also abroad. He is the CEO and Founder of Planet Ayurveda Products, Planet Ayurveda Clinic, and Krishna Herbal Company. For more info visit our website: http://www.planetayurveda.com