Epidemiological studies have shown that people eating a Mediterranean diet full of fresh fruit, vegetables and healthy fats throughout midlife may have a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, indicating a role for nutrients in brain health.1Castro-Quezada I, et al. Nutrients. Published on 2014;6:231–48
There are specific nutrients that are important for the maintenance of brain structure and function.2Bourre JM, J Nutr Health Aging. Published on 2006;10:377–85 ,3Bourre JM, J Nutr Health Aging. Published on 2006;10:386–99 ,4Smith PJ and Blumenthal JA, Curr Aging Sci. Published on 2010;n3:57–66 ,5Gomez-Pinilla F and Tyagi E, Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. Published on 2013;16:726-33
Like the rest of the body, the brain also depends on the supply of nutritional components to build its cellular structure and functions.6Bourre JM, J Nutr Health Aging. Published on 2006;10:377–85 ,7Bourre JM, J Nutr Health Aging. Published on 2006;10:386–99 ,8Smith PJ and Blumenthal JA, Curr Aging Sci. Published on 2010;n3:57–66 ,9Gomez-Pinilla F and Tyagi E, Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. Published on 2013;16:726-33 Normal functioning of the brain may be adversely affected when the availability of these nutrients is inadequate.
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Some of these nutrients are incorporated into structural components of the cell; for example, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are incorporated into phospholipids which are the major constituents of the cellular membranes, choline is used in neurotransmission, while amino acids are used to produce a variety of proteins involved in numerous biochemical processes required for a variety of body functions.10Bourre JM, J Nutr Health Aging. Published on 2006;10:386–99 ,11Gomez-Pinilla F and Tyagi E, Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. Published on 2013;16:726-33 Other nutrients serve as cofactors in cellular biochemical processes.
Throughout life, an adequate dietary supply of certain nutrients is required to maintain optimal structural and functional integrity of the brain.
View References
| 1 | Castro-Quezada I, et al. Nutrients. Published on 2014;6:231–48 |
|---|---|
| 2, 6 | Bourre JM, J Nutr Health Aging. Published on 2006;10:377–85 |
| 3, 7, 10 | Bourre JM, J Nutr Health Aging. Published on 2006;10:386–99 |
| 4, 8 | Smith PJ and Blumenthal JA, Curr Aging Sci. Published on 2010;n3:57–66 |
| 5, 9, 11 | Gomez-Pinilla F and Tyagi E, Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. Published on 2013;16:726-33 |
