Heavy Meal Exposure and Brain Function

According to a recent study published in JAMA Open Network , traces of nine essential metals and non-essential metals in urine were linked with lower cognitive performance and the risk of future dementia. The study assessed concentrations of the essential metals cobalt, copper, manganese, and zinc, and the non-essential metals arsenic, cadmium, lead, tungsten, and uranium.

Scores on the Digit Symbol Coding (DSC) test — which measured how fast simple mental operations could be performed — were inversely associated with metal levels, meaning the higher the heavy metal concentration, the lower the cognitive performance scores on the test. The scores were worse for those participants who carried the APOE4 gene.

According to Arce Domingo-Relloso, PhD, of the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health in New York City, “This study not only shows that exposure to metals is associated with cognitive decline, but more importantly, carrying at least one copy of the APOE4 allele could modify this association”. “An important finding is that not only toxic metals, but also essential metals — which are needed for key biological processes — were associated with cognitive decline,” she added. “Elevated levels of these metals in urine might reflect loss of body reserves of these elements due to dysregulated biological processes, which warrants further investigation.”.

Heavy metals are found in many places in our environment, from our homes to our work and many paces between the two. As this study shows, even having too high levels of certain essential nutrients can harm cognitive function. Functional medicine measures and helps balance both the essential minerals and the heavy metals we are exposed to. To find out if YOU are at increased risk for these problems, contact Bespoke Health NOW and schedule your intake! We’re here to help YOU be the BEST you possible!