Zinc is an essential trace element involved in numerous enzymatic reactions and functions critical to the brain and nervous system. Scientific studies have demonstrated that zinc plays a vital role in neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and neurotransmitter function. Deficiency in zinc has been linked to cognitive impairments, mood disorders, and neurodevelopmental problems. For example, research indicates that low zinc levels are associated with poorer cognitive performance in children and the elderly. Some clinical trials suggest that zinc supplementation may improve attention and motor development in children with zinc deficiency and may be beneficial in managing symptoms of depression and anxiety, likely due to its influence on neurotransmitter metabolism and brain inflammation.

However, while animal and observational studies provide a basis for the importance of zinc in brain function, high-quality randomized controlled trials in healthy adults are limited, and the benefits of supplementation beyond correcting deficiency remain uncertain. In summary, zinc is scientifically validated as necessary for brain health, particularly in populations at risk for deficiency, but there is only moderate-quality evidence supporting its use to enhance cognitive or neurological function in otherwise healthy individuals.