The Importance of Trace Elements for Neurological Function

Abstract

Not only ubiquitous in the environment, transition metals such as iron, zinc, manganese, and copper play an important and essential role in the proper biological function of mammalian systems. These dietary trace metals act as cofactors in biological processes and components of specialized proteins encompassing all aspects of human metabolism. The dual nature of these metals requires that they must be both available to cells while at the same time being strictly regulated. This is due to the fact that disturbances in the homeostasis of these metals can have deleterious effects, particularly in the central nervous system (CNS), resulting in substantial damage to neurons and glial cells through the creation of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress, in turn leading to neurodegeneration and neurological dysfunction. Additionally, an imbalance of trace metals can potentially play a role in the etiology of various neurodegenerative disease states, such as Alzheimer’s disease. This chapter will focus on iron, manganese, copper, and zinc, dietary trace metals required for numerous important processes in the CNS. Sections will include descriptions of the transport mechanisms of these metals within the CNS, roles in brain development, effects on neurotransmitter biology, consequences of metal deficiency and toxicity, and applications to health and disease.