Associations Between Zinc, Copper and Cognitive Performance in Young Turkish Adults

Abstract

Background: Trace elements such as zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) are essential micronutrients have vital roles in immune system functioning, cell propagation and growth, and cognition. Based on the importance of these elements, numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the relationship between the elements and cognition in humans. However, most of these studies were conducted in elderly, children or adults with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer, Parkinson. This study aimed to reveal the association between plasma levels of Zn, Cu and Zn/Cu ratio and cognitive functions in healthy young Turkish adults. Methods: We measured plasma levels of Zn and Cu in 37 healthy adults (23 women, 14 men, mean age 26,74) whose normal mental state had been assessed via the Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Turkish Version (MoCA-TUR) test representing the major cognitive functions. Results: Results show a significant inverse correlation between plasma levels of copper and MoCA-TUR test score in men (p<0.05). Also, a significant inverse correlation of the plasma levels of zinc with MoCA-TUR tests scores is shown (p<0.05). Zn/Cu ratio was related to cognitive functions only in women (p<0.05). Conclusions: The results of our study suggest that the Zn/Cu ratio, as well as Zn or Cu levels, are associated with cognitive function in adults. However, these associations are different between women and men. We concluded that this difference raised from different nutritional needs and mineral levels of sexes.