Beyond the Mind-Serum Trace Element Levels in Schizophrenic Patients: A Systematic Review

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#biomarkers #case-control-studies #female #humans #maternal-exposure

Beyond the Mind-Serum Trace Element Levels in Schizophrenic Patients: A Systematic Review

Baj et al., 2020 | Int J Mol Sci | Systematic Review

Citation

Baj Jacek, Forma Alicja, ... Karakula-Juchnowicz Hanna. Beyond the Mind-Serum Trace Element Levels in Schizophrenic Patients: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci. 2020-Dec-15;21(24). doi:10.3390/ijms21249566

Abstract

The alterations in serum trace element levels are common phenomena observed in patients with different psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, or major depressive disorder. The fluctuations in the trace element concentrations might act as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of many psychiatric and neurological disorders. This paper aimed to assess the alterations in serum trace element concentrations in patients with a diagnosed schizophrenia. The authors made a systematic review, extracting papers from the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Among 5009 articles identified through database searching, 59 of them were assessed for eligibility. Ultimately, 33 articles were included in the qualitative synthesis. This review includes the analysis of serum levels of the following trace elements: iron, nickel, molybdenum, phosphorus, lead, chromium, antimony, uranium, magnesium, aluminum, zinc, copper, selenium, calcium, and manganese. Currently, there is no consistency regarding serum trace element levels in schizophrenic patients. Thus, it cannot be considered as a reliable prognostic or diagnostic marker of schizophrenia. However, it can be assumed that altered concentrations of those elements are crucial regarding the onset and exaggeration of either psychotic or negative symptoms or cognitive dysfunctions.

Key Findings

However, it can be assumed that altered concentrations of those elements are crucial regarding the onset and exaggeration of either psychotic or negative symptoms or cognitive dysfunctions.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population different psychiatric conditions such
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition cognitive

MeSH Terms

  • Biomarkers
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Maternal Exposure
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects
  • Schizophrenia
  • Schizophrenic Psychology
  • Trace Elements

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: chromium

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09