Redistribution of polyvalent cations such as zinc and iron occurs during which burn metabolic phase?

• A. Ebb
• B. Flow
• C. Adaptive
• D. Recovery

Answer: (B)

In burn healing, the redistribution of polyvalent cations like zinc and iron happens during the flow phase, the hypermetabolic, catabolic period that follows initial stabilization. After the early ebb phase (characterized by low perfusion), the body increases metabolic rate and immune activity. To support wound healing and acute‑phase responses, zinc and iron are mobilized from plasma stores and redirected to the liver and sites of injury, boosting enzyme function, protein synthesis, and immune defenses. plasma levels drop as these minerals are redistributed, which is a normal feature of the flow phase.