Studies have shown that aluminum neurotoxicity can likely affect learning and memory function, and a diet containing 100-200 mg/kg zinc is adequate for maintaining learning and memory function in rats. Previous findings by Dr. Hao Lu and coworkers from Academy of Military Medical Sciences, China showed that male Wistar rats after treatment with aluminum chloride at a dose of 300 mg/kg daily for 7 weeks exhibited decreased acetylcholinesterase activity and enhanced lipid peroxidation in the cerebrum, appearing to have neurotoxic performance.
A new study from these researchers further evaluated the effect of zinc supplementation on aluminum-induced neurotoxicity, and found zinc supplementation exhibited an antioxidant capacity. This study, published in the Neural Regeneration Research (Vol. 8, No. 29, 2013), can provide new targets and approaches for prevention and treatment of central nervous system diseases and open up new ideas for in-depth study of the relationship between zinc and brain function.