Perspectives on Neuronutrition in Prevention and Treatment of Neurological Disorders

Abstract

The term neuronutrition has been proposed as part of nutritional neuroscience, studying the effects of various dietary components on behavior and cognition. Other researchers underline that neuronutrition includes the use of various nutrients and diets to prevent and treat neurological disorders. The aim of this narrative review was to explore the current understanding of the term neuronutrition as the key concept for brain health, its potential molecular targets, and perspectives of its nutritional approach to the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, multiple sclerosis, anxiety, depressive disorders, migraine, and chronic pain. Neuronutrition can be defined as a part of neuroscience that studies the influence of various aspects of nutrition (nutrients, diet, eating behavior, food environment, etc.) on the development of nervous disorders and includes nutrition, clinical dietetics, and neurology. There is evidence that the neuronutritional approach can influence neuroepigenetic modifications, immunological regulation, metabolic control, and behavioral patterns. The main molecular targets in neuronutrition include neuroinflammation, oxidative/nitrosative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, gut–brain axis disturbance, and neurotransmitter imbalance. To effectively apply neuronutrition for maintaining brain health, a personalized approach is needed, which includes the adaptation of the scientific findings to the genetic, biochemical, psycho-physiological, and environmental features of each individual.

The Mediating Effects of Nutritional Status on the Relationship between Number of Residual Teeth and Cognitive Function among Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Multicenter Study

“…Some studies suggested that adherence to a healthy diet pattern, such as a Mediterranean diet, is associated with a lower risk of cognitive impairment [ 23 , 24 ]. This is attributed to the presence of several neuro-nutritional components in the diet [ 25 ]. For example, the consumption of omega-3 fatty acids from fish and plant sources can enhance cognitive health and mental health [ 26 , 27 ].…”

The relationship between gender differences in dietary habits, neuroinflammation, and Alzheimer’s disease

“…The aim of this brief narrative review is to explore the current literature and highlight potential of gender-specific dietary habits and their impact on neuroinflammatory states that may contribute to AD pathogenesis. Neuronutrition, in this regard, entails the study and exploration of nutrients, diet, eating behavior, and food environments and their interplay with epigenetic, immune, metabolic, and psychosocial constructs in the development of neurological disorders ( Badaeva et al, 2023 ). This review further aims to include the additional level of gender considerations in neuronutrition, which are important factors to consider in dietary advice during clinical encounters and dietary guidelines for the public.…”

The Role of Nutrition in Neurological Disorders

“…The detrimental effects of disturbances in the gut-brain axis have also gained increasing recognition in the development and exacerbation of neurological and gastrointestinal disorders. The imbalance of intestinal microbiota can result from viral/bacterial infections, antibiotic use, and specific dietary regimens, and has been implicated in neuroinflammatory processes that are linked to the pathogenesis of illnesses such as PD and Alzheimer's Disease (AD) [5]. Conversely, neurological conditions such as PD, AD, multiple sclerosis, and chronic stress have been found to affect gut function and exacerbate inflammatory processes, including irritable bowel syndrome and leaky gut.…”

“…Conversely, neurological conditions such as PD, AD, multiple sclerosis, and chronic stress have been found to affect gut function and exacerbate inflammatory processes, including irritable bowel syndrome and leaky gut. [5] In the study conducted by Valenzuela-Zamora (2022), the relationship between food selectivity (and especially the elimination of nutrient-dense foods that modulate gut microbiota) in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the development of gastrointestinal disorders (GID) was explored [6]. GIDs such as constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and growth delays are reported in approximately 80% of children with ASD, and it is believed to be a result of intestinal dybiosis which leads to the increase in inflammatory bacteria such as Enterobacteriaceae, Salmonella Escherichia/Shigella, and Clostridium XIVa.…”

“…The effects of meal timing and nutrient intake distribution have gained importance in recent years, and the use of dietary plans, such as intermittent fasting for chronic pain treatment, has been tested [5]. The relationship between mealtimes and circadian rhythm in disease pathogenesis has also been shown in studies on chrononutrition, and it has been observed that eating at inappropriate times may lead to metabolic alterations and circadian rhythm desynchronisation, which are factors that play a role in the development of chronic disease and cognitive decline [5]. Conversely, changes in the distribution of calories throughout the day may be a marker of cognitive impairment [9].…”