Böckerman, P; Bryson, A; Viinikainen, J; Viikari, J; Lehtimäki, T; Vuori, E; Keltikangas-Järvinen, L; ... Pehkonen, J; + view all Böckerman, P; Bryson, A; Viinikainen, J; Viikari, J; Lehtimäki, T; Vuori, E; Keltikangas-Järvinen, L; Raitakari, O; Pehkonen, J; - view fewer (2015) The serum copper/zinc ratio in childhood and educational attainment: a population-based study. Journal of Public Health , 38 (4) pp. 696-703. 10.1093/pubmed/fdv187.

Preview

Text Bryson_CuZn_Journal of Public Health accepted.pdf Download (349kB) | Preview

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Micronutrients are potentially important determinants of adult outcomes such as educational attainment. Copper and zinc have known effects on several medical conditions and cognitive development. Elevated copper and depressed zinc is a common trace metal imbalance. METHODS: We estimate the correlation between the copper/zinc ratio (Cu/Zn) in childhood (year 1980) and educational attainment in adulthood (year 2010). We use the Young Finns Study (YFS) combined with the Finnish Linked Employer-Employee Data (FLEED). The regression models account for confounders such as other biomarkers and parental observables. RESULTS: We report a sizeable, negative correlation between Cu/Zn and educational attainment as measured by education in years, grades as well as the likelihood of completing university education. For example, a one standard deviation increase in Cu/Zn decreases the probability of university education by ∼4%. CONCLUSIONS: The findings are consistent with a Cu/Zn effect influencing cognitive functioning early in life. Future research should explore more deeply the precise mechanisms by which Cu/Zn affects educational attainment.

Download activity - last month

Export as JSONCSVXML

Download activity - last 12 months

Export as CSVJSONXML

Downloads by country - last 12 months

Export as XMLJSONCSV

Archive Staff Only

View Item