Copper, Zinc, and Neurological Health: Exploring the Link to Epilepsy and Alzheimer’s Disease
Jan 30, 2025
The Role of Trace Metals in Brain Health
Copper and zinc are essential trace metals that play critical roles in brain function. They contribute to neurotransmitter production, antioxidant defense, and cellular energy metabolism. However, maintaining the right balance is crucial, as both excess and deficiency can have serious consequences for neurological health, including epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease.
Research suggests that copper and zinc imbalances could influence brain excitability, oxidative stress, and neuronal function, potentially increasing the risk of seizures and neurodegenerative conditions.
Copper: Essential Yet Potentially Harmful
Copper is vital for the nervous system, as it helps regulate enzymes, neurotransmitters, and antioxidant defense. However, when copper levels are too high or too low, the consequences can be harmful.
Copper and Seizures
Copper influences the balance of sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) in the brain, which is crucial for proper electrical signaling. Disrupting this balance can make neurons hyperexcitable, increasing seizure risk.
High copper levels can produce reactive oxygen species (ROS)—harmful molecules that damage brain cells and contribute to oxidative stress, a factor in epilepsy. Studies suggest that elevated serum copper levels are associated with epilepsy, particularly in middle-aged adults (40-59 years old) (Su et al., 2024).
Copper and Neurodegenerative Diseases
Alzheimer’s disease: Copper accumulation has been linked to plaques and oxidative damage in the brain. Parkinson’s disease & Multiple Sclerosis: Research suggests that copper dysregulation may contribute to neuronal death and inflammation in these conditions. Wilson’s disease, a genetic disorder of copper metabolism, leads to toxic copper buildup in the brain and is associated with seizures and epilepsy.
Cuproptosis: A New Form of Copper-Induced Cell Death
Recently, scientists discovered cuproptosis, a unique way cells die due to excess copper. Unlike other forms of cell death, cuproptosis disrupts energy production by interfering with sulfur-containing proteins in the TCA cycle, leading to toxic protein buildup and cell destruction (Tsvetkov et al., 2022).
This process has raised interest in whether cuproptosis plays a role in epilepsy. If excess copper triggers neuron death in a similar way, it could contribute to epileptogenesis—the process by which seizures develop.
The Importance of Zinc and the Zinc/Copper Ratio
While copper is crucial, it needs to be balanced with zinc, another essential metal involved in immune function, neurotransmitter regulation, and brain protection. Why is the Zinc/Copper Ratio More Important Than Measuring Each Alone?
Measuring serum zinc or copper alone does not provide the full picture. Instead, the zinc/copper ratio gives a better overall assessment of metal balance and its effects on brain function.
Low zinc/high copper is linked to oxidative stress, neuronal hyperexcitability, and increased seizure risk (Su et al., 2024). A healthy zinc/copper ratio supports cognitive function and protects against neurodegeneration and epilepsy.
Zinc and Epilepsy
Zinc deficiency is associated with increased seizure frequency and a higher risk of epilepsy. Higher zinc levels were linked to lower epilepsy incidence in a recent study (Su et al., 2024). Zinc supports metallothionein (MT) production—a protein that helps regulate copper levels and protect against toxic metal buildup.
Metallothionein (MT): The Brain’s Metal Regulator
Metallothionein (MT) is a small, cysteine-rich protein that helps regulate essential metals like copper and zinc while detoxifying harmful metals such as cadmium and mercury.
Functions of MT in Brain Health:
✔ Regulates metal balance – Ensures copper and zinc stay at optimal levels.
✔ Antioxidant defense
– Protects brain cells from oxidative stress.
✔ Detoxifies heavy metals
– Helps remove toxic metals like lead and mercury.
Low MT levels may contribute to copper toxicity, leading to neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and increased seizure susceptibility.
Restoring Normal MT Levels:
Since zinc is a key regulator of MT, increasing zinc intake through diet or supplements may help restore MT function.
Zinc-rich foods: Oysters, beef, pumpkin seeds, lentils, and chickpeas.
Testing & Potential Treatments for Copper-Zinc Imbalance in Epilepsy
Given the strong connection between copper, zinc, and neurological disorders, testing and treatment strategies may be beneficial.
1. Testing for Imbalances
🔬 Zinc/Copper Ratio – Provides an accurate indicator of zinc and copper levels.
🔬 Ceruloplasmin Testing – Since ceruloplasmin binds and transports copper, measuring it may offer insight into copper metabolism.
2. Antioxidant Therapies
Since excess copper can cause oxidative stress, antioxidants may help protect neurons:
🧪 Vitamin E – Shields brain cells from oxidative damage.
🧪 Vitamin C – Supports other antioxidants and reduces ROS.
🧪 N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) – Boosts glutathione, a key brain antioxidant.
🧪 Selenium & Polyphenols (Curcumin, Resveratrol, Quercetin) – Help neutralize oxidative stress.
3. Copper-Regulating Therapies
⚖ For High Copper Levels:
Zinc Supplements – Compete with copper for absorption, helping lower high copper.
Molybdenum – Helps regulate copper metabolism.
Reduce copper-Rich Foods – Nuts, seeds, dark chocolate, shellfish
Reducing Copper from Drinking Water
One often-overlooked source of excess copper is drinking water, especially in homes with copper plumbing or areas with naturally high groundwater copper levels.
To reduce copper intake from water:
✅ Use a water filter – Reverse osmosis (RO) systems and activated carbon filters effectively remove copper.
✅ Test your water – A home test kit or professional water analysis can help identify high copper levels.
✅ Flush taps before use – Let cold water run for a minute if it's been sitting in copper pipes overnight.
✅ Use cold water for drinking & cooking – Hot water dissolves copper more easily from pipes.
✅ Consider pipe replacement – If you have old copper pipes, switching to PEX or stainless steel could help in the long run.
⚖ For Low Copper Levels:
Copper-Rich Foods – Nuts, seeds, dark chocolate, shellfish (to be avoided in high copper conditions).
Copper Supplements – If deficiency is present.
Final Thoughts: Balancing Copper and Zinc for Brain Health
Maintaining a balanced copper and zinc ratio is crucial for brain function, seizure control, and neuroprotection. Both excess and deficiency can contribute to epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and other neurological disorders. Future research should explore whether copper-targeting treatments or dietary interventions could help manage epilepsy and neurodegeneration. Testing for serum copper, zinc, and ceruloplasmin levels may provide valuable insights for personalised treatment strategies.
By keeping an eye on our trace metal balance, we may unlock new approaches to supporting brain health and reducing seizure risk.
References
Chen et al., The impact of serum copper on the risk of epilepsy: A Mendelian Randomization Study, Acta Epileptologica, 2023.
Su et al., Association of Serum Copper, Zinc, and Zinc/Copper Ratio with Epilepsy: A Cross-Sectional Study, 2024.
Tsvetkov et al., Copper Induces Cell Death by Targeting Lipoylated TCA Cycle Proteins, Science, 2022.
1982 Study: Copper, Zinc, Magnesium, and Plasma Levels in Epilepsy, J. Neurosurg. Psychiatry, Vol. 45, Issue 11, 1072.