Zinc Deficiency and Dyslexia in Children

Dyslexia was first diagnosed in about 1963 and can be part of the syndrome known as MBD “minimal brain dysfunction” often thought to be the direct result of too little oxygen at birth causing the death of some brain cells. For the child itself and for the family, it is anything but “minimal”, as the disrupted mental function can be quite profound especially if there is an aspect of hyperactivity.

Zinc is one of our body’s most important trace minerals and there have been some research studies to show that people with dyslexia and other learning difficulties have been linked to a deficiency of this mineral. Dr. Ellen Grant, in a study done in co-operation with Bio-lab found an undeniable link with Zinc deficiency. Zinc deficiency in dyslexic children confirm in early fetal development can cause of learning difficulties.

Researchers compared children in the control group to dyslexic children and found that zinc concentrations differed significantly between the groups. Since these findings, researchers have determined that impaired learning in children can often be corrected through zinc supplementation.