%0 Journal Article
%T Plasma Copper and Zinc Concentration in Individuals with Autism Correlate with Selected Symptom Severity
%A Anthony J. Russo
%A Andrea P. Bazin
%A Richard Bigega
%A Robert S. Carlson III
%A Martin G. Cole
%A Dilenia C. Contreras
%A Matthew B. Galvin
%A Sayde S. Gaydorus
%A Sierra D. Holik
%A Gavin P. Jenkins
%A Brandon M. Jones
%A Penelope A. Languell
%A Padraic J. Lyman
%A Kareem P. March
%A Katie A. Meuer
%A Serena R. Peterson
%A Matthew T. Piedmonte
%A Michael G. Quinn
%A Nicole C. Smaranda
%A Patrick L. Steves
%A Heather P. Taylor
%A Teagan E. Waddingham and Janine S. Warren
%J Nutrition and Metabolic Insights
%D 2012
%I 
%R 10.4137/NMI.S8761
%X Aim: To assess plasma zinc and copper concentration in individuals with autism and correlate these levels with symptom severity. Subjects and methods: Plasma from 102 autistic individuals, and 18 neurotypical controls, were tested for plasma zinc and copper using inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Copper and zinc levels and Cu/Zn were analyzed for possible correlation with severity of 19 symptoms. Results: Autistic individuals had elevated plasma levels of copper and Cu/Zn and lower, but not significantly lower, plasma Zn compared to neurotypical controls. There was a correlation between Cu/Zn and expressive language, receptive language, focus attention, hyperactivity, fine motor skills, gross motor skills and Tip Toeing. There was a negative correlation between plasma zinc concentration and hyperactivity, and fine motor skills severity. Discussion: These results suggest an association between plasma Cu/Zn and severity of symptoms associated with autism.
%U http://www.la-press.com/plasma-copper-and-zinc-concentration-in-individuals-with-autism-correl-article-a3076