[Minerals] May 1, 2013

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Brain health and cognitive function continue to be one of the major concerns for older dietary

supplement consumers as the research to maintain the mental activities grows, and the demand for

new ingredients increases. The brain acts as a source for various functions in the human body such

as vision, hearing, balance, taste and smell. It also plays a key role in controlling memories, mood

and behavior. Balancing these functions is important for the brain, and a simple way to achieve this is

with regular intake of minerals.

Chromium, magnesium and zinc are minerals known for providing benefits to brain health and

cognitive function.

With the greatest level of absorption and bioavailability, chromium picolinate is a form of chromium

used in a number of human clinical studies discovered to potentially improve brain and cognitive

functions. According to a 2010 study, brain and cognitive performances were boosted within elderly

adults suffering from early memory decline through supplemental chromium picolinate (as Chromax®,

from Nutrition 21).1 Twenty-six older adults with impaired cognitive function (pre-Alzheimer’s) were

involved in this double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study conducted by the University of

Cincinnati College. Each individual received 1,000 mcg of chromium picolinate or placebo capsules

for 12 weeks. Researchers discovered from functional MRI scans that chromium supplementation

improved learning, recall and recognition memory tasks, and individuals taking placebo capsules

showed no change.

Chromium picolinate also exhibited significant benefits for metabolism and blood glucose levels,

which helps brain function, in people with diabetes. Chromium picolinate supplementation lowered

blood glucose levels, increased brain chromium levels and restored normal brain insulin levels.2 In

the studies, daily doses of chromium ranged from 200 to 1,000 mcg elemental chromium, with higher

doses showing greater and quicker efficacy to provide significant effects.

From a 2011 study by the University of Palermo in Italy, magnesium was reported to be directly

related to cognitive function in individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.3 Results from

blood tests unveiled that magnesium was significantly lower in those with the disease compared to

those without it.

Data from a 2011 study found magnesium supplementation (as Magtein™, from AIDP) increase of

synaptic plasticity in the brain as a result from increasing magnesium levels with the supplementation.

This indicated that brain cells were able to better respond to signals.4 Researchers also noted an

increase of plasticity in other brain regions may potentially increase the use of cognitive therapy for

anxiety disorders. In a 2010 study involving rats, data also indicated increasing brain magnesium

Maintaining Brain Health and Cognitive Function with

Minerals

[Minerals] May 1, 2013

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levels with Magtein possibly enhanced learning abilities, working memory, and short and long term

memory.5

Low intake of the mineral zinc has been linked to depression. A study in 2012 by researchers from

the New England Research Institutes stated the intake of low dietary and supplemental zinc could

possibly be associated to depressive symptoms in women.6 Cross-sectional data from the Boston

Area Community Health survey (2002 to 2005) was used in the study, and showed women who had a

low intake of dietary and supplemental zinc were more likely to have depressive symptoms; in men,

zinc had no effect on depression risk.

As researchers continue to experiment and work on discovering more potential benefits, chromium,

magnesium and zinc are minerals that show great potential of boosting brain health.

References:

1. Krikorian R et al. "Improved cognitive-cerebral function in older adults with chromium

supplementation." Nutr Neurosci. 2010 Jun;13(3):116-22.

2. Anderson R et al. "Elevated intakes of supplemental chromium improve glucose and insulin

variables in individuals with type 2 diabetes." Diabetes. 1997 Nov;46(11):1786-91.

3. Barbagallo M et al. " Altered ionized magnesium levels in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's

disease." Magnes Res. 2011 Sep;24(3):S115-21.

4. Abumaria N et al. " Effects of elevation of brain magnesium on fear conditioning, fear

extinction, and synaptic plasticity in the infralimbic prefrontal cortex and lateral amygdala." J

Neurosci. 2011 Oct 19;31(42):14871-81.

5. Slutsky I et al. " Enhancement of learning and memory by elevating brain magnesium."

Neuron. 2010 Jan 28;65(2):165-77.

6. Maserejian NN, Hall SA, McKinlay JB. "Low dietary or supplemental zinc is associated with

depression symptoms among women, but not men, in a population-based epidemiological

survey." J Affect Disord. 2012 Feb;136(3):781-8.