Decreased Zinc and Increased Copper in Individuals with Anxiety

Abstract

Aim:To assess plasma zinc and copper levels in individuals with anxiety and to test the hypothesis that there is a relationship between copper and zinc concentration and improved symptoms.Subjects and methods:Serum from 38 individuals with anxiety and 16 neurotypical age, gender and size similar controls were tested for plasma zinc and copper concentration using inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Zinc and copper levels, pre and post therapy, were compared and assessed for perceived anxiety symptoms.Results:In this preliminary study, individuals with anxiety had significantly higher plasma levels of Cu (P = 0.0348), Cu/Zn (P = 0.0493) and lower Zn (P = 0.0294) compared to controls. Zn levels normalized (increased to the normal range) and Cu/Zn significantly decreased after zinc therapy (P = 0.0004, P = 0.0033, respectively), but Cu did not significantly decrease (0.3577). These same patients improved significantly with respect to perceived overall symptoms after zinc and anti-oxidant therapy (P = 0.013).Discussion:These results suggest an association between Zn plasma levels and individuals with anxiety, demonstrate that zinc therapy is effective in increasing zinc plasma levels, and show that zinc supplementation may play a role in improved symptoms.

Behavioral impairments in animal models for zinc deficiency

“…Increased anxiety is often reported as part of psychiatric disorders, such as depression, panic attacks and post-traumatic stress disorder. Patients suffering from anxiety disorder were found to have significantly reduced plasma zinc levels compared to controls (Russo, 2011 ; Islam et al, 2013 ). Anxiety symptoms were significantly reduced after zinc supplementation (Russo, 2011 ).…”

“…Patients suffering from anxiety disorder were found to have significantly reduced plasma zinc levels compared to controls (Russo, 2011 ; Islam et al, 2013 ). Anxiety symptoms were significantly reduced after zinc supplementation (Russo, 2011 ). Moreover, the plasma zinc concentrations were found inversely related to teacher ratings of anxiety in 3–5 years old boys in the Head Start program (Hubbs-Tait et al, 2007 ).…”

The Impact of Copper in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

“…Regarding trials of patients with ADHD, the results are contradictory: some trials witnessed high levels of serum copper [12] while others haven't noticed any changes [13].…”

Pediatric anxiety and/or depression problems : associations with PM10, fly ash, and metal exposure.

“…Research is also investigating the role of manganese in the GABA and glutamate neurotransmitter systems (170). While these mechanisms are not fully understood, dysfunction of these neurotransmitters have been implicated in anxiety and depressive disorders (167,168). More studies, both animal and human, are needed to further understand the link between excess manganese exposure and emotional problems, particularly in children.…”

“…Alternatively, research suggests that excess copper can alter the function of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), possibly interfering with the conversion of glutamate to GABA (165). Both glutamate and GABA neurotransmitter dysfunction have been reported in anxiety and depression (167,168). Copper is also known to inhibit the production of serotonin, which has been linked to depressive disorders (165).…”