Cognitive Function — Minerals
through the lens of science

What do we mean by cognitive function?

The term cognitive function covers all the mental processes involved in processing information. This includes perception, attention, memory, language, planning and problem solving. These processes take place in the brain and central nervous system and rely on the activity of billions of interconnected nerve cells.

A person's cognitive abilities depend on many factors — including genetic predisposition, sleep quality, physical activity and the intake of certain nutrients. In this context, minerals such as zinc and iron are the subject of claims scientifically assessed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Based on these assessments, the European Commission has published authorized health claims describing the documented contribution of zinc and iron to normal cognitive function.

Why cognitive function concerns the whole body

Cognitive abilities are the foundation of almost every conscious action in daily life. Whether reading, driving, having a conversation or making decisions at work — all of these activities require smooth interaction between different brain regions.

• Attention — focusing on relevant stimuli and filtering out irrelevant information.
• Working memory — short-term retention and processing of information, for example during mental arithmetic.
• Long-term memory — lasting storage of experiences, knowledge and skills.
• Executive functions — planning, impulse control and flexible adaptation to new situations.
• Language processing — understanding and producing spoken and written language.

For all these processes, the brain needs a stable energy supply, functioning neurotransmitter systems and intact signal transmission. Minerals act as cofactors in many enzymatic reactions that make these processes possible at the biochemical level.

Zinc and neural signaling pathways

In the nervous system, zinc is found in particularly high concentrations in the hippocampus — a brain region associated with learning and memory formation. Zinc ions are released at certain synapses, where they modulate the activity of receptors involved in synaptic plasticity.

“Zinc contributes to normal cognitive function” — In line with Regulation (EU) No 432/2012

Zinc is also part of the structure of metalloproteases, which in the brain are responsible for breaking down neuropeptides and controlling extracellular matrix proteins. According to EU guidelines, the daily reference value of 10 mg ensures a sufficient intake.

Iron and oxygen supply to the brain

As a component of hemoglobin, iron is responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood. Although the brain makes up only about 2 % of body weight, it uses about 20 % of the oxygen we breathe in. An insufficient oxygen supply to neurons can impair information processing.

“Iron contributes to normal cognitive function” — In line with Regulation (EU) No 432/2012

Iron is also involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, because iron-dependent enzymes (hydroxylases) catalyze the conversion of precursor molecules into these chemical messengers. The EU reference value is 14 mg per day.