(P25-030-24) Associations Between Minerals, Neurocognitive Performance, and Mental Health Among Rural Bangladeshi Adolescents- Preliminary Results

Objectives: Minerals such as iron (Fe), selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu) and Iodine (I) are essential for child development. Thyroid hormones (TH) are also important for modulating the development and maturation of the central nervous system from pre-natal period to the middle of childhood. Yet, the synergistic effects of these minerals in adolescent brain remain poorly understood. Therefore, the aim of this pilot study is to determine the effects of these minerals on the neurocognitive performance, mental health, and TH in a group of rural Bangladeshi adolescents.

Methods: We leveraged the infrastructure of an adolescent cohort in Araihazar, Bangladesh. N=39 adolescents, aged 13-17 were randomly recruited to complete computer-based Behavioral Assessment and Research System (BARS), a neurobehavioral test battery. Blood was collected to assess mineral levels as well as serum TH biomarkers including thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), total triiodothyronine (tT3), and free thyroxine (fT4). Depression was assessed via Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ9) in n=19.

Results: Adolescent girls (n=25) had non-significantly higher Zn (6008.8±1005.8 μg/L) and Cu (825.4±90.8 μg/L) and lower Fe (351.9±51 μg/L) than boys (n=14). Girls also had non-significantly lower tT3 (1.85±0.4 nmol/L) and fT4 (11.97±1.5 pmol/L) and higher TSH (1.69±1.2 μIU/ML) than boys. Blood Zn, Mg, and Fe were positively associated with continuous performance score (p≤0.05). Cu was negatively associated with PHQ9 scores (p≤0.05). No significant associations between TH and neurocognitive functions were recorded.

Conclusions: Potential effects of Zn and Fe on brain function, more specifically on sustained attention and response speed were observed. Cu demonstrated protective effects on mental health. The results will provide preliminary data to elucidate the role of supplementation and/or dietary modifications for proper neurocognitive development during adolescent years, helping to develop nutritional policy recommendations.

Funding Sources: This was supported by an external grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of NIH. Additional support came from two internal grants from the College of Health Sciences and College of Osteopathic Medicine of SHSU.