Supplementation With Iron and Curcumin May Help Increase Levels of Brain Protein

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a protein that promotes the survival of nerve cells by playing a role in the growth, maturation, and maintenance of these cells. A recent study has found that supplementation with curcumin and iron may help increase levels of BDNF.

Participants in the study included 155 healthy adults with an average age of 26. They were given one of the following five interventions:

1. Low dose of iron, 18mg, and placebo;
2. Low dose of iron, 18mg, and 500 mg of curcumin;
3. High dose of iron, 65mg, and placebo;
4. High dose of iron, 65 mg, and 500 mg of curcurmin;
5. Placebo:

Blood samples were taken at baseline, week 3, and week 6. They were used to measure serum levels of iron and BDNF.

Participants in the two iron and curcumin groups saw significant increases in BDNF levels. Participants in the low dose iron and curcumin group saw a 26.34% increase, resulting in a 34.94% higher concentration than that found in participants in the low dose iron and placebo group. Similar results were seen in the high dose iron and curcumin group compared to the high dose iron and placebo group.

The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Westminster and Coventry University. It was published online ahead of print on July 22, 2020 in the journal Antioxidants.