“The ability of zinc to modulate both ion channels and synaptic plasticity predicts that it plays a key role in learning and memory. ”
Scientists have known for over half a century that zinc has positive effects on brain function and cognitive performance. Large concentrations of zinc are found within the human brain. The total content of zinc in the adult human body averages almost 2 g. This is approximately half the total iron content and 10 to 15 times the total body copper, clearly a fundamental element for the human body to function. More specifically, zinc is deposited within nerve cells. They’re called vesicles, they package the transmitters which enable the nerve cells to communicate. Furthermore, neurons of the hippocampus which control the high functions of learning and memory, have the highest concentrations of zinc.
All in all zinc appears to be pivotal to optimising brain function.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center and chemists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology found that in the absence of the mineral, communications between neurons were much less effective indicating that zinc is vital for efficient communications between nerve cells.
Scientists using mice as test animals, were able to artificially change the level of zinc in their brains. In doing so they were able to confirm that eliminating zinc from the neural vesicles prevented enhanced communication. By raising the levels of zinc, they were able to significantly restore enhanced communications in the hippocampal region to improve learning and memory capabilities. The results of this study conducted on mice can be extrapolated to humans because zinc is known to play a similar role in the brain of both species.
To reinforce this point similar studies have been undertaken on humans at a variety of ages. Studies in very young children showed improvements in the quality of motor development as a result of zinc supplementation (Black, 2003). Zinc may have even greater importance for children as a lack of zinc has been implicated in impaired protein synthesis during brain development (Black 2003). Studies among school-age children studies have found a beneficial impact of neuropsychological processes, specifically reasoning as a result of zinc supplementation. Elizabeth A. Maylor (2006) found zinc supplementation to a group of adults aged from 55-87 did improve some cognitive performances. Overall, it appears that zinc is pivotal to brain function in humans throughout a lifespan.
The importance of zinc in cognitive function seems very apparent and indeed it does seem that zinc supplementation can certainly reduce a loss in cognitive performance and perhaps even increase it. zinc supplementation may indeed be the future for cognitive orientated supplements. Furthermore, over time, lack of zinc from dietary sources can result in immune system depression, decline in sexual health and increased risk of dementia and cognitive decline.
Overall, zinc supplements certainly seem to be a very sensible form of action for a variety of ages and the added benefits of preventing various other health risks, seem to be an added side benefit to improved cognitive performance.
Perhaps, WAYK a natural alertness tablet being produced by a UK based pharmaceutical company, Clinova, with a supply of zinc as well as Guarana which has been known to also improve cognitive performance is the one for you.
Other Results of Zinc Deficiency
Immune system weakening
Depression
Decline in sexual health
Increased risk of dementia
