Zinc function in childhood brain

Abstract

Zinc is essential in the metabolic activities in the body including protein, DNA and RNA synthesis. It plays a role in neurogenesis, maturation, and migration of neurons and in synapse formation. Zinc is high in the hippocampal neurons which is involved in learning and memory. Deficiency of zinc during pregnancy has been related to many congenital abnormalities of the foetal nervous system. Furthermore insufficient levels of zinc in children is associated with lowered learning ability, apathy, lethargy and mental retardation. Maternal deficiency of zinc during lactation has been associated with impairment of infant brain development. Zinc status in mother and child can be assessed by measurement of zinc in plasma; zinc deficiency can be corrected with appropriate diet and zinc supplements. Red meat, poultry items, oysters, cashew nuts and almonds are rich sources of zinc.