Björklund Pharma

  • Home
  • Company
  • Science & Innovation
  • Publications
  • Media
  • Contact
    • Contact Form

The Role of Zinc and Copper in Autism Spectrum Disorders

December 8, 2014 By admin

Acta-Neurobiol-Exp-2013-2Children with Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) appear to be at risk for zinc (Zn) deficiency, copper (Cu) toxicity, have often low Zn/Cu ratio, and often disturbed metallothionein (MT) system functioning. The evidence presented in this paper suggests that providing Zn to autistic children may be an important component of a treatment protocol, especially in children with Zn deficiency. It is important to monitor and follow the values for both Cu and Zn together during Zn therapy, because these two trace elements are both antagonists in function, and essential for living cells. 

The review article by Geir Bjørklund is published in Acta Neurobiologiae Experimentalis (2013; 73 (2): 225–236). This peer-reviewed journal is published by Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology in Warsaw, Poland.

 

Geir Bjørklund

The role of zinc and copper in autism spectrum disorders

Acta Neurobiol Exp (Wars) 2013; 73 (2): 225-236 

 

ABSTRACT

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. Several studies have suggested a disturbance in the copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) metabolism in ASDs. Zinc deficiency, excess Cu levels, and low Zn/Cu ratio are common in children diagnosed with an ASD. The literature also suggests that mercury accumulation may occur as a cause or consequence of metallothionein (MT) dysfunction in children diagnosed with an ASD, which may be one of the causes of Zn deficiency. MTs are proteins with important functions in metal metabolism and protection. Zinc and Cu bind to and participate in the control of the synthesis of MT proteins. Studies indicate that the GABAergic system may be involved in ASDs, and that Zn and Cu may play a role in this system.

 

Filed Under: Company News, Research News Tagged With: Autism, Brain, Copper, Mercury, Zinc

Recent Posts

  • New COVID-19 Research Provides Insights on the Crucial Role of Zinc in Protein Targets of Drugs That Block SARS-CoV-2 Infection
  • A Possible New Medicine for Multiple Sclerosis?
  • Thymosin Beta 4 in Dry Eye Syndrome
  • The Role of Thymosin Beta 4 in COVID-19 Treatment
  • Zinc Deficiency: A Globally Widespread Ailment

Company News

  • New COVID-19 Research Provides Insights on the Crucial Role of Zinc in Protein Targets of Drugs That Block SARS-CoV-2 Infection
  • A Possible New Medicine for Multiple Sclerosis?
  • Thymosin Beta 4 in Dry Eye Syndrome
  • The Role of Thymosin Beta 4 in COVID-19 Treatment
  • Zinc Deficiency: A Globally Widespread Ailment
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

RSS CONEM News

  • DAJTEMU
  • Better Brain Health – We Are What We Eat
  • Zinc, Copper, and Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Nutritional Minerals and the Periodic Table
  • Semey Revisited: The legacy of nuclear testing in Kazakhstan

Contact Us

Björklund Pharma AS
Toften 24
8610 Mo i Rana
Norway

Phone: +47 411 11 942
Email: info(at)bjorklundpharma.com

Copyright © 2023 Björklund Pharma AS