Role of Liposomal Zinc in Alzheimer’s: Next-Gen Therapeutic Approach

Zinc plays a critical role in maintaining brain health, and its deficiency is closely linked with cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Zinc can enhance the formation of amyloid plaques. Despite the benefits of conventional zinc, traditional compounds fail to deliver sufficient amounts for brain absorption. Liposomal technology has emerged as an advanced solution which improves zinc’s bioavailability and nutrient delivery.

In this blog, we will explore the role and beneficial effects of liposomal zinc for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Takeaways

● Liposomal zinc restores healthy zinc balance, supports synaptic function, and reduces beta-amyloid aggregation, which helps protect memory and slow Alzheimer’s progression.
● Liposomal encapsulation boosts zinc absorption, enhances blood-brain barrier penetration, and ensures higher bioavailability than conventional zinc supplements for cognitive support.
● Liposomal zinc has neuroprotective effects, improves learning markers, making it a promising therapeutic approach for Alzheimer’s management.

How Zinc Affects the Brain in Alzheimer’s Disease?

Zinc plays a critical role in brain function, along with influencing neurotransmission and cognitive processes. In Alzheimer’s disease, imbalances in zinc levels contribute to the accumulation of toxic beta-amyloid plaques and cognitive decline.

Here are some of the key aspects to understand the role of zinc in Alzheimer’s disease and how it affects the brain:

● Zinc Deficiency and Cognitive Decline: Deficiency in zinc increases the chances of cognitive decline, which may lead to Alzheimer’s disease. A recent study suggests that individuals with serum zinc levels of 70 µg/dL have a 34% increased risk of developing dementia [1].

● Role of Zinc in Amyloid-Beta Aggregation: Zinc ions bind with amyloid-beta peptides, which influence the overall aggregation rates. Lower levels of zinc decrease the accumulation of amyloid-beta, and higher zinc concentrations increase plaque formation. The overall balance is critical to regulate amyloid aggregation and reduce the chances of plaque formation.

● Neuroprotective Effect of Zinc: Zinc helps in regulating oxidative stress and neuronal repair mechanisms. Appropriate levels of zinc protect the brain from oxidative damage, which is associated with alzheimer’s disease.

● Zinc Supplementation: Zinc can be a potential supplement for those individuals suffering from cognitive decline. A recent study suggests that 12 weeks of zinc supplementation in obese individuals improves cognitive performance measured by the Stroop Test [2].

Let’s explore how liposomal zinc deficiency in Alzheimer’s disease contributes to memory decline and triggers abnormal beta-amyloid aggregation.

The Link between Zinc Imbalance, Memory Decline, and Beta-Amyloid
Zinx imbalances disrupt the core brain functions, such as memory and cognitive function. In alzheimer’s disease, both zinc deficiency and excessive aggregation of amyloid-beta catalyse disease progression.
Here are some of the core insights to understand the connection between beta-amyloid and zinc imbalance:

● Synaptic Plasticity: Zinc is a critical element for synaptic plasticity and influences memory formation and learning mechanics. In alzheimer’s disease, zinc deficiency affects long-term potentiation (LTP). A study suggests that increased concentration of zinc chloride decreases IL-1β production and NLRP3 (NLR family pyrin domain containing 3) protein, improving cognitive performance [3].

● Zinc and the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB): Zinc effortlessly crosses the BBB and therefore influences the overall neuroprotective effects. Zinc supplements improve the permeability of the BBB, and neurons work efficiently. The overall delivery mechanisms are critical to treat Alzheimer’s and dementia.
● Influence on Metal Ion Homeostasis: The homeostasis of metal ions such as copper, zinc, and calcium is critical for maintaining normal physiological functions. However, erroneous deposition of metal ions within the different brain regions induces oxidative stress. Zinc has a vital role in regulating the homeostasis of ions within the brain.

Let’s examine how elevated liposomal zinc in Alzheimer’s disease influences clinical outcomes and what current studies show about its therapeutic potential.

What Studies Show for Zinc and Alzheimer’s Treatment?

Zinc plays a complex role in Alzheimer’s disease, with recent studies suggesting that there are neuroprotective effects within the brain.
The following sections highlight recent research showing zin’s therapeutic potential in Alzheimer’s treatment.

Epidemiological Study for Metal Exposure with Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia

Zinc and Iron are considered potential neuroprotective agents for alzheimer’s disease. On the other hand, lead, cadmium and arsenic have neurodegenerative effects. Zinc has a critical influence on metal-induced protein aggregation and is a primary aggregator for abnormal proteins such as beta-amyloid and tau [4]. The study also suggests that women are more susceptible to alzheimer’s disease due to elevated plasma levels.

Anti-inflammatory Effects of Zn-aspartate

The study documented neurogenesis and neuroprotective properties of zinc. Moreover, the study also suggested that Zn-asp on beta-amyloid deposition depends on the assumption that light zinc isotope that displaces heavier isotopes [5]. Such disruption led to the accumulation of D-amino acids into the protein and consequently formed abnormal proteins, which are characteristic of neurodegenerative disorders, causing early alzheimer’s symptoms and brain tangles.

Next, let’s understand the difference between liposomal and conventional zinc compounds.

Liposomal Zinc vs Conventional Zinc: Core Differences

Liposomal zinc and conventional zinc both aim to address zinc deficiencies and provide neuroprotective benefits. However, the mechanism of delivery and bioavailability of the compound differ.
Here’s a comprehensive look at some of the major distinctions that make liposomal zinc a viable proposition against conventional zinc:

Liposomal Zinc

● Better Absorption: Liposomal zinc is encapsulated in lipid-based nanoparticles, which allows the zinc molecules to absorb better in the gastrointestinal tract. It allows for better bioavailability and relative bioavailability (RBV), and the molecules reach systemic circulation and the brain.

● Sustained Release: Liposomal supplements release in a controlled fashion, which makes the zinc ions readily available for critical cellular functions. Moreover, such prolonged effects help in long-term zinc homeostasis within the brain and other tissues.

● Reduced Gastrointestinal Issues: Liposomal zinc has limited gastrointestinal side effects compared to conventional zinc supplements, which are prone to cause nausea or stomach issues. Such issues are primarily caused by the direct interaction of zinc ions with the intestinal lining.

Conventional Zinc

● Limited Bioavailability: Conventional zinc supplements, such as zinc gluconate and zinc sulphate, have poor absorption within the digestive system, and most of the zinc is excreted through the system unaltered.

● Direct Impact on Gastrointestinal Health: Conventional zinc can cause gastrointestinal discomfort such as vomiting and nausea. Such issues can hinder long-term usage of the supplements
● Shorter Duration of Action: Conventional zinc provides an immediate dose of the molecules; however, the absence of prolonged release can limit the neuroprotective benefits of zinc.

Let’s see how liposomal zinc delivery offers superior absorption and neuroprotection.

Why Liposomal Zinc Delivery Offers Better Brain Support

Liposomal zinc in alzheimer’s offers an efficient way to deliver zinc to the brain. Liposomal technology improves the bioavailability of zinc by protecting it from degradation and ensuring a better absorption rate across the BBB. Such targeted delivery improves therapeutic outcomes for alzheimer’s patients.

Here’s how liposomal zinc offers enhanced brain support:

● Improved Absorption and Bioavailability: Liposomal zinc encapsulated in lipid-based nanoparticles protects zinc from oxidation and enhances its absorption through the gut. It allows for higher absorption of zinc ions, particularly in the brain, where it shows neuroprotective effects.

● Enhanced Blood-Brain Barrier Penetration: Liposomal delivery system enables zinc to move across the BBB, which is a significant challenge in Alzheimer’s treatment. The particle size and lipid composition allow for the smooth delivery of zinc ions to the brain cells.

● Targeted Delivery of Beta-Amyloid Regulation: Liposomal zinc can modulate the aggregation of beta-amyloid proteins. Liposomal zinc, with its targeted delivery, enables enhanced interaction of the amyloid proteins and reduces plaque formation and improves cognitive function.

● Reduced Side Effects: Liposomal zinc has a higher toleration rate against gastrointestinal side effects. The compound is beneficial for long-term usage for patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

● Neuroprotective Effects in Chronic Conditions: A recent study suggested that liposomal zinc provides effective neuroprotection. The treatment resulted in a 70% reduction in escape latency, indicating enhanced learning and memory [6].

Also read: Immunity Meets Mood: Zinc’s Role in the Brain-Immune Connection

Why WBCIL’s Liposomal Zinc Stands Out

WBCIL’s liposomal zinc offers superior bioavailability and targeted delivery, and here’s how it is superior to traditional zinc compounds:

● Superior absorption through the digestive membranes results in higher systemic zinc levels from a smaller dose.

● Encapsulation within phospholipids protects zinc from early degradation or binding, preserving its active form from cell uptake.

● Improved compatibility with sensitive populations by reducing gastrointestinal side effects often present in conventional zinc salts.

● Enhanced distribution potential to target tissues through optimised liposomal structure.

Also read: Why Zinc is a Must-Have for Skin Glow and Immune Defence: Powered by WBCIL Innovation

Conclusion

Liposomal zinc provides a superior alternative to conventional zinc supplements, especially in the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. Liposomal zinc has better zinc absorption and ensures targeted delivery. Many people face challenges like poor absorption and digestive issues with conventional zinc compounds. Liposomal zinc presents an effective way to regulate the optimal level of zinc.

West Bengal Chemical Industries Limited (WBCIL) is a trusted leader in the production of advanced liposomal compounds and zinc compounds, which are effective for zinc-based neuroprotective formulations. With over six decades of experience and WHO-GMP certification, WBCIL commits itself as a manufacturer of high-quality products with the highest safety standards. Their innovation towards liposomal technology ensures superior bioavailability and efficacy, making them a key player globally.