Therapeutic potential of Iron and Zinc for brain health: A review

Trace elements with various roles in metabolic processes as a cofactor or catalysts in enzymatic functions are required in milligrams. In this review, the activity of two trace elements, Fe and Zn, on brain activity is explained. Iron is a significant element for improving learning and memory, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, depression, anxiety, and hypoxia. Low ferritin levels in premature infants result in poor motor skills and altered gene expression. Hemoglobin production is reduced due to lack of iron in cells, which increases pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 and causes depression in postpartum women. Zinc is an essential trace element that plays a substantial role in various biochemical processes such as growth and development, brain activity, immunity, lipid metabolism, and controls external and internal behaviors. Deprivation of zinc leads to depression and anxiety as the alteration in the expression of the BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) gene occurs. Low zinc levels and high glucocorticoid levels can be a reason for aggression, impulsiveness, conduct and control problems. Reduction in zinc uptake by the inhibition of ZnT3 (zinc transporter-3) leads to impaired learning and memory.