Re:  the 11-month-old slow-gaining baby.  Some of the symptoms described
also are seen in infants and toddlers with zinc deficiency and/or poor
zinc utilization.  Slow growth, poor or slow hair growth, slow wound
healing, and differences in saliva production (I think) which correspond
to a rejection of some food textures, and a dislike of many food tastes
all may be seen in some children with zinc absorption/utilization or
availability problems.  However, in one anecdotal case without
laboratory confirmation of a zinc deficiency, I have seen all these
symptoms resolve in time with continued availability of a variety of
nutritious foods and continued breastfeeding.  The child in this case is
now a healthy 11-year-old with no signs of any nutritional problem (and
still very selective -"picky"- about food selections).  Ruth Lawrence
has written about the bioavailability of zinc in human milk, which often
offers protection for a child who otherwise would be more symptomatic.