How does diet impact the brain?5 answersDiet plays a crucial role in impacting brain health and function. Consuming a Western-style diet rich in saturated fat, sugar, and salt has been linked to hippocampal and prefrontal cortical impairment, potentially leading to mental health issues and increased risks of neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, higher BMI and visceral fat accumulation have been associated with accelerated brain aging, structural changes in brain regions related to default mode and reward, as well as cognitive disadvantages. Specific dietary components influence brain function, affecting areas such as brain development, neurotransmitter signaling, cognition, and inflammation processes, ultimately influencing mental health and performance. Overall, a balanced and healthy diet is essential for promoting brain plasticity and overall cognitive well-being.
What diet and supplements have been shown to increase healthy lifespan?4 answersDietary components such as vitamins (vitamin C, B vitamins, and vitamin K), flavonoids, minerals (magnesium, zinc, and potassium), phytoestrogens, amino acids, and omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to slow the aging process and increase lifespan. Natural products from food sources, such as polyphenols, saponins, alkaloids, and polysaccharides, have also been identified as anti-aging compounds that promote health and prolong life. Nutraceuticals, which are functional foods or bioactive ingredients, have shown potential in extending lifespan in experimental model organisms. Additionally, dietary supplementation with citrate has been found to reduce energy status and extend lifespan in fruit flies, and mice fed a high-fat diet supplemented with citrate or β-hydroxybutyrate (βOHB) have shown improved metabolic health and memory. Further clinical investigations are needed to fully understand the therapeutic effectiveness of these dietary interventions in promoting healthy aging and increasing healthy lifespan.
How vitamin supplementation affects cognitive function in children?4 answersVitamin supplementation's effect on cognitive function in children remains inconclusive. Several studies have explored the impact of micronutrient supplementation on cognitive outcomes in children of different age groups. Some studies have focused on the effects of specific vitamins such as vitamin B12, folic acid, and selected B vitamins. Other studies have examined the effects of multiple micronutrient (MMN) supplementation during pregnancy on children's cognitive function. However, the results have been inconsistent, with some studies reporting no significant differences in cognitive performance between supplemented and control groups. While short-term improvement in folate and homocysteine status did not appear to affect cognitive performance, the long-term effects of vitamin supplementation on cognitive outcomes in older children remain equivocal. Further research is needed to better understand the relationship between vitamin supplementation and cognitive function in children.
Do antioxidant supplements work?4 answersAntioxidant supplements may not provide clear benefits for athletes and exercisers and may even interfere with normal exercise-related adaptations. However, natural dietary antioxidant supplements have been shown to prevent non-communicable diseases by up to 40%. The effectiveness of antioxidant formulations in preventing age-related macular degeneration is controversial, and individual assessment is necessary before prescribing these supplements. For endurance athletes, there is limited evidence supporting the use of antioxidant compounds to enhance performance, with most compounds lacking supportive evidence. In the case of idiopathic male infertility, a combination of vitamins and antioxidants has been shown to significantly improve sperm parameters.
Does the duration of supplementation with different antioxidants affect oxidative stress?4 answersSupplementation with different antioxidants for varying durations can affect oxidative stress. Short-term supplementation with alpha-ketoglutaric acid (α-KG) and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) did not significantly decrease oxidative stress or impair exercise performance in well-trained individuals exposed to heat or cold. Supplementation with alpha lipoic acid (ALA) alone or in combination with vitamin C decreased oxidative stress in cases of acute amitriptyline intoxication. ALA and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) were more effective in preventing oxidative stress induced by sodium tungstate exposure compared to quercetin or naringenin supplementation. Long-term antioxidant-supplemented diet reduced oxidative stress and improved metabolic parameters in therapy dogs. Antioxidant supplementation, particularly with vitamins and coenzyme Q10, reduced pain perception in patients with fibromyalgia.
What is the role of dietary supplement and antioxidant?8 answers