Zn2+ Deficiency Can Potentially Cause Autism

Zn²⁺ involves in many biochemical reactions in our body by modifying or being a part the enzyme protein. In addition, Zn²⁺ modulates the complex ProSAP/Shank in postsynaptic pathway. Thus, if there isn’t enough Zn²⁺ to bind to ProSAP/Shank, ProSAP/Shank is mutated, leading to the improper synapse development in brain.
 
Then, what’s actually the cause of Zn²⁺ deficiency? There are many reasons for it, such as the atypical eating, the increasing of Cu²⁺, pre-parental stress and melatonin deficiency. I will focus on the increasing of Cu²⁺.
 
In our body, Cu²⁺ naturally competes and impairs Zn²⁺ uptake; therefore, its high-level causes Zn²⁺ deficiency, leading to mutation many substances essential for proper brain function, such as CuZnSOD, which neutralized superoxide and prevent oxidative damage. When the CuZnSOD activity is low, the superoxide is high and occupied in the body, results in massive oxidative damage in brain.
 
 
There are several reasons explaining the overload of Cu²⁺. Firstly, smoking increases the nicotine in their body, aggravating Cu²⁺ catalyzed oxidative damage to the brain. In addition, tobacco contains Cd²⁺, which accumulates relentlessly and enhances Fe³⁺ accumulation and aggravates Zn²⁺ and Mg²⁺ deficiencies.
Unfortunately, because of hyperstimulation from excess dopamine and low serotonin levels, the smokers experience some relief from smoking as well as gradually deteriorating in brain Same situation happens in alcohol, amphetamines, caffeine, etc. For example, young males who smoke or abuse alcohol are more likely to suffer Zn²⁺ deficiency.
 
Another reason for Cu²⁺ overload is the increasing of estrogen (primary female sex hormone). Woman having high estrogen during pregnant will have high Cu²⁺ and Cd²⁺ absorption, leading to Zn²⁺ deficiency and therefore reducing considerably the supply of Zn²⁺ to the embryo and later to the fetus. Abnormally high estrogen is the result of low melatonin production, which is produced by the pineal gland. Melatonin hormone regulates sleep and wake cycle; therefore, the abnormal sleep schedule can interfere the melatonin production.
 
Stress is another factor affecting the Zn²⁺ deficiency. Stress causes increased levels of adrenaline and cortisol, leading to the elimination of Zn²⁺. In addition, it could play a role in abnormal sleep cycles.
 
Overall, increased Cu²⁺ level is from the high level of estrogen, the use of smoking, abuse alcohol and caffeine, the use of Cu²⁺ cooking utensils, the intense physical and mental stress of giving birth and raising many children, and the improper diet.