Zinc and Behavioural Problems
In a recent 16-week open label trial involving males aged 4-14yrs who displayed ongoing threatening and aggressive tendencies for at least six months, micronutrient therapy consisting of Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Vitamin E, Biotin, Chromium, Selenium and Zinc was administered.
Plasma Zinc, plasma Copper, Copper/Zinc ratio and urinary hydroxyhemopyrroline-2-one (Pyrroles) were also measured at baseline, and upon conclusion of the trial. Forty-five percent of participants were identified as being deficient or marginally deficient in plasma Zinc with a further 35% in the lowest end of the reference range. Pyrrole levels were also elevated for all participants at baseline. The results showed that micronutrient therapy significantly improved parent-reported threatening and aggressive behaviours; family functioning and Health-Related Quality of Life in these young men.
