Micronutrients And Brain Health

Micronutrients and Brain Health addresses cutting-edge research related to processes of oxidative stress that affect brain function, an area of increasing significance for those concerned and involved with public health and translational medicine. Edited by four leading micronutrient researchers, the book brings together the investigative work of more than 70 leading researchers from across the world. Chapters identify brain-specific micronutrients that support function as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying their neuroprotectant activity. These explore age-related metabolic pathways, mitochondrial nutrients, neurodegeneration and micronutrients, cell signaling, and neuronal functions. General chapters are included on brain structure, function, and metabolism, while several other chapters are devoted to the role of specific micronutrients. The book explores how brain micronutrients are found to be both metabolic and redox regulators, thereby establishing a cross-talk between the major pathways involved in modulation of cell signaling and gene expression. Specific areas of research covered include: Uses of nutritional interventions to target age-related neuronal and behavioral deficits Effects of various micronutrients on Alzheimer’s disease, including lipoic acid, green tea, and Ginkgo biloba extracts Nutrients specific to essential mitochondrial functions Cognitive and behavioral consequences of iron deficiency with specific emphasis on women of reproductive age Omega-3 fatty acids and their relation to brain function in the elderly Challenges inherent in the development of neuroprotective-neurorescue drugs This book belongs to the groundbreaking CRC Press Series on Oxidative Stress and Disease. The series now includes more than two dozen volumes that address increasing evidence regarding the multiple ways that oxidative stress initiates and accelerates disease mechanisms. Most importantly, this book, like the series, offers invaluable information regarding nutritional and lifestyle choices, and pharmaceutical interventions that can be employed to prevent, control, and even ameliorate disease processes attributed to oxidative stress.

A paradigm-shifting approach to treating mental disorders like anxiety, depression, and ADHD with food and nutrients, by two leading scientists who share their original, groundbreaking research with readers everywhere for the first time.

This book comprehensively reviews the relationship between micronutrients and brain in health and diseases. It explains the relationship between micronutrients and brain functions, neurogenesis, and cognitive functions. The book also explores the relationship between micronutrients and brain disorders including depression, epilepsy, PD, and Autism. It further explores the recent advancements in understanding the important role of micronutrients as therapeutics in various brain disorders like TBI and AD. Lastly, it presents an overview of micronutrients as neuroprotective agents along with the main principles of nutrigenomics.

Nutrients play a significant role in brain development throughout fetal and postnatal life. This book reviews the evidence from animal and human research, highlighting the influence of specific nutrients on brain function and cognitive development. With a unique, integrative approach to the nutritional, environmental, and genetic influences on brain development, the book examines issues such as single versus multiple limiting nutrients, critical periods of deficiency, and the impact of the child-parent relationship on the architecture of the developing brain. The effect of undernutrition on the developing brain of infants and young children can be devastating and enduring. It can impede behavioural and cognitive development and educability, thereby undermining future work productivity. Chapter authors are experts in this field of research and provide an up-to-date insight into the role of the individual nutrients in brain development and function.

Scientific and commercial interest in the field of nutritional neuroscience has grown immensely over the last decade. Today, a broad range of dietary supplements, foods for weight loss, functional foods, nutraceuticals, and medical foods are widely available. Many of these products are marketed for their effects on behavior or brain function, which relates directly to nutritional neuroscience and raises issues regarding their safety and efficacy. The only comprehensive reference on this subject, Nutritional Neuroscience discusses the relationship of nutrition to behavior and neuroscience. Following a review of fundamental issues and methods, the book covers the effects of macronutrients and micronutrients on brain function and behavior. Chapters are devoted to the effects of a wide range of foods, specific nutrients, food constituents, and food additives on cognitive behavior and development. The final section examines foods and supplements that modulate brain function. With a broad range of information presented in a simple and straightforward manner, this book provides an ideal introduction to nutritional neuroscience. The depth of information and comprehensive coverage also make this an essential reference for specialists involved in nutrition, neuroscience, pharmacology, psychology, and related disciplines.

The evolution of mammals and humans is marked by a massive expansion of higher thinking abilities which has paralleled changes in associative regions of the brain and inter-neuronal connections.. This book aims to portray the role and influence of dietary factors in brain health and its intricate networks and has suggested menu options in diet planning for preserving healthy cognitive functions and preventing disease. With increasing life span, it has become a challenging issue to preserve the normal functions of the nervous system and prevent cognitive decline due to aging processes. The rising rates of diseases like obesity, diabetes, Alzheimer's, autism, depression disorders that affect personality and brain health can be countered by dietary practices that establish better equilibrium and homeostasis in the body and central nervous system. Thus, optimal brain health involves nurturing and maintaining these capabilities and the structural and metabolic networks in the brain. Some of the relevant macronutrients (Caloric Energy, Carbohydrates, Proteins and Fats) and micronutrients (Vitamins, Minerals, Phytonutrients - Flavanoids, anti-oxidants, etc.) and their cellular and systemic functional roles in normal and abnormal health are discussed. Traditional practices in dietary control in cultures with a strong history of mental abilities have been used as the foundation for many of the recipes and suggested diet plans, while scientific advances in our understanding of the nervous system has been used as the rationale for some of the dietary modifications to achieve optimal cognitive abilities and preserve memory functions, especially in the aging process.

It is a commonly held belief that athletes, particularly body builders, have greater requirements for dietary protein than sedentary individuals. However, the evidence in support of this contention is controversial. This book is the latest in a series of publications designed to inform both civilian and military scientists and personnel about issues related to nutrition and military service. Among the many other stressors they experience, soldiers face unique nutritional demands during combat. Of particular concern is the role that dietary protein might play in controlling muscle mass and strength, response to injury and infection, and cognitive performance. The first part of the book contains the committee's summary of the workshop, responses to the Army's questions, conclusions, and recommendations. The remainder of the book contains papers contributed by speakers at the workshop on such topics as, the effects of aging and hormones on regulation of muscle mass and function, alterations in protein metabolism due to the stress of injury or infection, the role of individual amino acids, the components of proteins, as neurotransmitters, hormones, and modulators of various physiological processes, and the efficacy and safety considerations associated with dietary supplements aimed at enhancing performance.

This volume provides a survey of the links between nutrition and the brain. It examines many of the mechanisms by which diet and individual nutrients are known to modify brain development, biochemistry and function, and evaluates current practices in the use of the diet for the prevention and treatment of disorders affecting brain function. It also highlights the need to consider issues related to brain function in the development and evolution of national policies for treating nutritional deficiencies and excesses. Written by leading investigators and clinicians, this publication will help practitioners, clinical investigators and scientists appreciate the broad opportunities awaiting investigation, and ultimately, clinical applications, in this dynamic and expanding area of investigation.