Mental Decline May Be Related to Combination of High Copper and Saturated Fat Intake
A new study from Rush University in Chicago found that high copper intake combined with high saturated and trans fat intake may speed mental decline in the elderly.
The study was published in the journal Archives of Neurology. A total of 3,700 men and women were included in the study that measured daily copper and fat intake from various sources dietary and supplemental. Cognitive decline was assessed over a period of 6 years.
Interest in copper metabolism in the elderly has been high since finding high amounts of copper in the blood of Alzheimer's patients. Copper is an essential mineral for the body and is involved in numerous reactions, both good and bad. Previous evidence found that higher than normal levels of copper can actually inhibit normal maintenance of blood vessels, allowing for plaque build up.
Fat intake, and in particular saturated and trans fat intake negatively effects cardiovascular health in all people. The latest studies have shown that even one meal high in saturated fats may be harmful to our heart. High saturated fats increase the likelihood that dangerous plaques will build up in the blood vessels causing increased risk for heart attack and stroke.
In this study more than 600 subjects had a high copper intake combined with high saturated and trans fat intake. Most copper was attributed to multivitamin use, though other sources of high copper include organ meat, beans, legumes, and shellfish.
In this study about 600 subjects were identified with high intakes of both copper and saturated fats. For this group mental decline was rapid. Over the 6 year follow-up period these subjects experienced mental decline equivalent to aging 19 years. This represented a 13 year advance over subjects who did not consume the combination of high copper and high fats.
The study authors believe this may be one link to Alzheimer's disease, though patients had not been diagnosed. In people with Alzheimer's a very rapid cognitive decline is the most apparent sign.
The study does not prove causation, but brings to light interesting coorelations between copper and fat intake. The highest levels of copper in the blood of these study subjects was 1.6 mg, which is above the recommended daily intake of 0.9 mg.
Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on September 13, 2006 01:59 PM
