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Nutrients
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The Effect of Nutrients on Neurological Disorders
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The Effect of Nutrients on Neurological Disorders

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutrition and Public Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (24 May 2024) | Viewed by 26452

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Lorena Perrone

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Guest Editor
Department of Medicine and Surgery, Kore University of Enna, Enna, Italy
Interests: neurodegeneration; inflammation; mitochondria; oxidative stress
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. William B. Grant

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Guest Editor
Sunlight, Nutrition, and Health Research Center, P.O. Box 641603, San Francisco, CA 94164-1603, USA
Interests: Alzheimer’s disease; cancer; COVID-19; dietary components and patterns; UVB; Vitamin D
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Recent findings clearly demonstrate that dietary patterns as well nutritional compounds play key roles on the onset and progression of neurological disorders, including genetic predisposition to develop neuronal cancers as well sporadic neurodegenerative diseases. The goal of this Special Issue is to provide new insight into the role of dietary patterns as well as micro and macro nutrients in relation to the onset and progression of neurological diseases. We aim to gather articles analyzing the molecular mechanisms regulated by defined nutritional compounds, including both micro and macro nutrients. Furthermore, this Special Issue aims to present articles analyzing the effect of nutrients both on the neuronal system and microbiome, since the gut–brain axis is important for the progression of neurological diseases. This Special Issue aims to provide research articles as well reviews that explore the role of nutrients and dietary patterns in modulating microbiome and the gut–brain axis as well the molecular mechanisms directly regulating the nervous system. 

Dr. Lorena Perrone
Dr. William B. Grant
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • cognitive dysfunction
  • neurodegeneration
  • dietary patterns
  • gut–brain axis
  • micro and macro nutrients
  • microbiome
  • molecular pathways
  • neurodegeneration
  • nutrient–SNS axis
  • TMAO

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 1390 KiB  
Article
Mediterranean Diet and Lifestyle in Persons with Mild to Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease
by Ligia J. Dominguez, Nicola Veronese, Angela Parisi, Flavia Seminara, Laura Vernuccio, Giuseppina Catanese and Mario Barbagallo
Nutrients 2024, 16(19), 3421; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16193421 - 9 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1239
Abstract
Due to the continuous aging of the population and consequent increase in dementia, focus on its prevention is of growing importance for public health. Since effective pharmacological treatments are not yet available, other determinants of cognitive decline have become fundamental. Several studies have [...] Read more.
Due to the continuous aging of the population and consequent increase in dementia, focus on its prevention is of growing importance for public health. Since effective pharmacological treatments are not yet available, other determinants of cognitive decline have become fundamental. Several studies have indicated that the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) is associated with reduced incident cognitive decline and dementia, but few studies have been conducted in persons already diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We age-matched 73 patients with mild–moderate AD with 73 controls (mean age for the whole group = 76.5 ± 6.5; 67.5% women). The cases had a significantly lower adherence to the MedDiet and lower physical activity vs. controls, where only one participant (1.4%) had a high adherence to the MedDiet among cases compared to 5.5% among controls, while 52.5% of the cases had a moderate adherence to the MedDiet vs. 82.2% in controls. In multivariate analysis, only the presence of AD was significantly associated with a lower adherence to the MedDiet vs. controls. Other factors examined (gender, age, physical activity level, multimorbidity, and polypharmacy) were not significantly associated with adherence to the MedDiet. Thus, AD patients had a low adherence to the MedDiet and very low physical activity. Public health strategies aimed at promoting the Mediterranean diet and physical activity for older people should be a priority. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Effect of Nutrients on Neurological Disorders)
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13 pages, 307 KiB  
Article
Follow-Up Period Affects the Association between Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentration and Incidence of Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Cognitive Impairment
by William B. Grant
Nutrients 2024, 16(18), 3211; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16183211 - 23 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1454
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Vitamin D’s effect on risk health outcomes is often evaluated using prospective cohort studies. For vitamin D, risk ratios (RRs) are based on health outcomes with respect to serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations measured at time of enrollment. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations vary [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Vitamin D’s effect on risk health outcomes is often evaluated using prospective cohort studies. For vitamin D, risk ratios (RRs) are based on health outcomes with respect to serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations measured at time of enrollment. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations vary over time, thereby diluting the effect of 25(OH)D for long follow-up periods. Inverse relationships between RR and follow-up period have been reported for all-cause mortality rate and cancer incidence rates. Here, the effect for neurological outcomes is evaluated. Methods: The analysis examines how follow-up period affected results from nine cohort studies of all-cause dementia, six studies of Alzheimer’s disease, and nine for cognitive impairment with respect to vitamin D deficiency. Results: For all-cause dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and cognitive impairment, respectively, the linear regression fits are RR = 2.9 − 0.14 × years, r = 0.73, p = 0.02; RR = 2.9 − 0.14 × years, r = 0.69, p = 0.13; and RR = 1.8 − 0.066 × years, r = 0.72, p = 0.03. The regression fit to RR for the shortest follow-up period for each outcome is considered the best estimate of vitamin D deficiency’s effect on risk. Those values are approximately twice that found by averaging all RRs without considering the effect of follow-up period. Conclusions: Vitamin D’s effect on risk of neurological conditions is inversely correlated with mean follow-up period in prospective cohort studies. This effect should be considered in the design and analysis of such studies. Additional studies should also be conducted regarding raising serum 25(OH)D concentrations to reduce risk of brain function decline. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Effect of Nutrients on Neurological Disorders)
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14 pages, 1832 KiB  
Article
Modulation of Gut Microbiome and Autism Symptoms of ASD Children Supplemented with Biological Response Modifier: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study
by Jela Hrnciarova, Klara Kubelkova, Vanda Bostik, Ivan Rychlik, Daniela Karasova, Vladimir Babak, Magdalena Datkova, Katerina Simackova and Ales Macela
Nutrients 2024, 16(13), 1988; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16131988 - 21 Jun 2024
Viewed by 2830
Abstract
The etiology and mechanisms of autism and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are not yet fully understood. There is currently no treatment for ASD for providing significant improvement in core symptoms. Recent studies suggest, however, that ASD is associated with gut dysbiosis, indicating that [...] Read more.
The etiology and mechanisms of autism and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are not yet fully understood. There is currently no treatment for ASD for providing significant improvement in core symptoms. Recent studies suggest, however, that ASD is associated with gut dysbiosis, indicating that modulation of gut microbiota in children with ASD may thus reduce the manifestation of ASD symptoms. The aim of this pilot study (prospective randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled) was to evaluate efficacy of the biological response modifier Juvenil in modulating the microbiome of children with ASD and, in particular, whether Juvenil is able to alleviate the symptoms of ASD. In total, 20 children with ASD and 12 neurotypical children were included in our study. Supplementation of ASD children lasted for three months. To confirm Juvenil’s impact on the gut microbiome, stool samples were collected from all children and the microbiome’s composition was analyzed. This pilot study demonstrated that the gut microbiome of ASD children differed significantly from that of healthy controls and was converted by Juvenil supplementation toward a more neurotypical microbiome that positively modulated children’s autism symptoms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Effect of Nutrients on Neurological Disorders)
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18 pages, 6053 KiB  
Article
Acute and Repeated Ashwagandha Supplementation Improves Markers of Cognitive Function and Mood
by Megan Leonard, Broderick Dickerson, Landry Estes, Drew E. Gonzalez, Victoria Jenkins, Sarah Johnson, Dante Xing, Choongsung Yoo, Joungbo Ko, Martin Purpura, Ralf Jäger, Mark Faries, Wesley Kephart, Ryan Sowinski, Christopher J. Rasmussen and Richard B. Kreider
Nutrients 2024, 16(12), 1813; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16121813 - 8 Jun 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 11531
Abstract
Background: Ashwagandha has been reported to reduce stress and attenuate cognitive decline associated with inflammation and neurodegeneration in clinical populations. However, the effects as a potential nootropic nutrient in younger populations are unclear. This study examined the effects of liposomal ashwagandha supplementation on [...] Read more.
Background: Ashwagandha has been reported to reduce stress and attenuate cognitive decline associated with inflammation and neurodegeneration in clinical populations. However, the effects as a potential nootropic nutrient in younger populations are unclear. This study examined the effects of liposomal ashwagandha supplementation on cognitive function, mood, and markers of health and safety in healthy young men and women. Methods: 59 men and women (22.7 ± 7 yrs., 74.9 ± 16 kg, 26.2 ± 5 BMI) fasted for 12 h, donated a fasting blood sample, and were administered the COMPASS cognitive function test battery (Word Recall, Word recognition, Choice Reaction Time Task, Picture Recognition, Digit Vigilance Task, Corsi Block test, Stroop test) and profile of mood states (POMS). In a randomized and double-blind manner, participants were administered 225 mg of a placebo (Gum Arabic) or ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root and leaf extract coated with a liposomal covering. After 60-min, participants repeated cognitive assessments. Participants continued supplementation (225 mg/d) for 30 days and then returned to the lab to repeat the experiment. Data were analyzed using a general linear model (GLM) univariate analysis with repeated measures and pairwise comparisons of mean changes from baseline with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Ashwagandha supplementation improved acute and/or 30-day measures of Word Recall (correct and recalled attempts), Choice Reaction Time (targets identified), Picture Recognition (“yes” correct responses, correct and overall reaction time), Digit Vigilance (correct reaction time), Stroop Color-Word (congruent words identified, reaction time), and POMS (tension and fatigue) from baseline more consistently with several differences observed between groups. Conclusion: Results support contentions that ashwagandha supplementation (225 mg) may improve some measures of memory, attention, vigilance, attention, and executive function while decreasing perceptions of tension and fatigue in younger healthy individuals. Retrospectively registered clinical trial ISRCTN58680760. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Effect of Nutrients on Neurological Disorders)
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12 pages, 1235 KiB  
Article
Pediatric Onset Multiple Sclerosis and Obesity: Defining the Silhouette of Disease Features in Overweight Patients
by Laura Papetti, Elena Panella, Gabriele Monte, Michela Ada Noris Ferilli, Samuela Tarantino, Martina Proietti Checchi and Massimiliano Valeriani
Nutrients 2023, 15(23), 4880; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15234880 - 22 Nov 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1963
Abstract
Obesity has been suggested as an environmental risk factor for multiple sclerosis (MS) and may negatively effect the progression of the disease. The aim of this study is to determine any correlation between overweight/obesity and the clinical and neuroradiological features at the onset [...] Read more.
Obesity has been suggested as an environmental risk factor for multiple sclerosis (MS) and may negatively effect the progression of the disease. The aim of this study is to determine any correlation between overweight/obesity and the clinical and neuroradiological features at the onset of pediatric onset multiple sclerosis (POMS). Were included patients referred to the POMS Unit of the Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital between June 2012 and June 2021. The diagnosis of MS with an onset of less than 18 years was required. For all included subjects, we considered for the analysis the following data at the onset of symptoms: general data (age, sex, functional system compromised by neurological signs, weight and height), brain and spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cerebrospinal fluid exams. We identified 55 pediatric cases of POMS and divided them into two groups according to the body mass index (BMI): 60% were healthy weight (HW) and 40% were overweight/obese (OW/O). OW/O patients experienced a two-year age difference in disease onset compared to the HW patients (12.7 ± 3.8 years vs. 14.6 ± 4.1 years; p < 0.05). Onset of polyfocal symptoms was seen more frequently in OW/O patients than in HW (72.7% vs. 21.2%; p < 0.05). The pyramidal functions were involved more frequently in the OW/O group than in the HW group (50% vs. 25%; p < 0.005). Black holes were detected more frequently in OW/O patients in onset MRI scans compared to the HW group (50% vs. 15.5%; p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that being overweight/obese affects the risk of developing MS at an earlier age and is associated with an unfavorable clinical–radiological features at onset. Weight control can be considered as a preventive/therapeutic treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Effect of Nutrients on Neurological Disorders)
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17 pages, 4951 KiB  
Article
Sex Specificity in the Mixed Effects of Blood Heavy Metals and Cognitive Function on Elderly: Evidence from NHANES
by Shuaixing Song, Nan Liu, Guoxu Wang, Yulin Wang, Xiaoan Zhang, Xin Zhao, Hui Chang, Zengli Yu and Xiaozhuan Liu
Nutrients 2023, 15(13), 2874; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15132874 - 25 Jun 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3280
Abstract
The way that males and females react to environmental exposures and negative impacts on their neurological systems is often different. Although previous research has examined the cognitively impairing effects of solitary metal exposures, the relationship between metal mixtures and cognitive function, particularly when [...] Read more.
The way that males and females react to environmental exposures and negative impacts on their neurological systems is often different. Although previous research has examined the cognitively impairing effects of solitary metal exposures, the relationship between metal mixtures and cognitive function, particularly when considering an individual’s sex, remains elusive. This study aimed to investigate the sex differences in the association between multiple metal combinations and cognitive function in older Americans. This research employed the 2011–2014 NHANES survey of elderly Americans. The association between five mixed metals and four cognitive tests (the animal fluency test (AFT), the digit symbol substitution test (DSST), the instant recall test (IRT), and the delayed recall test (DRT)) were investigated with generalized linear regression model (GLM), Bayesian kernel machine regression model (BKMR), weighted quantile sum regression model (WQS), and quantile g-computation regression model (Qgcomp). A total of 1833 people, including 883 males and 950 females, enrolled in this cross-sectional study. We discovered that blood lead and blood cadmium were negatively associated with cognitive performance, while blood selenium demonstrated a positive association with cognitive function in older people. The negative relationship of heavy metal combinations on cognitive function might be somewhat reduced or even reversed via selenium. The IRT, AFT, and DSST are three of the four cognitive tests where men had more dramatic positive or negative results. There was a sex-specific connection between blood metal ratios and cognitive function among older Americans, as evidenced by the more significant relationship between mixed metals and cognitive performance in men (either positively or negatively). These results emphasize the impacts of ambient heavy metal exposure on cognitive function by employing sex-specific methods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Effect of Nutrients on Neurological Disorders)
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Review

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30 pages, 2457 KiB  
Review
Effect of the Mediterranean Diet (MeDi) on the Progression of Retinal Disease: A Narrative Review
by Oualid Sbai, Filippo Torrisi, Federico Pio Fabrizio, Graziella Rabbeni and Lorena Perrone
Nutrients 2024, 16(18), 3169; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16183169 - 19 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1483
Abstract
Worldwide, the number of individuals suffering from visual impairment, as well as those affected by blindness, is about 600 million and it will further increase in the coming decades. These diseases also seriously affect the quality of life in working-age individuals. Beyond the [...] Read more.
Worldwide, the number of individuals suffering from visual impairment, as well as those affected by blindness, is about 600 million and it will further increase in the coming decades. These diseases also seriously affect the quality of life in working-age individuals. Beyond the characterization of metabolic, genetic, and environmental factors related to ocular pathologies, it is important to verify how lifestyle may participate in the induction of the molecular pathways underlying these diseases. On the other hand, scientific studies are also contributing to investigations as to whether lifestyle could intervene in modulating pathophysiological cellular responses, including the production of metabolites and neurohormonal factors, through the intake of natural compounds capable of interfering with molecular mechanisms that lead to ocular diseases. Nutraceuticals are promising in ameliorating pathophysiological complications of ocular disease such as inflammation and neurodegeneration. Moreover, it is important to characterize the nutritional patterns and/or natural compounds that may be beneficial against certain ocular diseases. The adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MeDi) is proposed as a promising intervention for the prevention and amelioration of several eye diseases. Several characteristic compounds and micronutrients of MeDi, including vitamins, carotenoids, flavonoids, and omega-3 fatty acids, are proposed as adjuvants against several ocular diseases. In this review, we focus on studies that analyze the effects of MeDi in ameliorating diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. The analysis of knowledge in this field is requested in order to provide direction on recommendations for nutritional interventions aimed to prevent and ameliorate ocular diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Effect of Nutrients on Neurological Disorders)
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33 pages, 3210 KiB  
Review
Diet and Nutrients in Rare Neurological Disorders: Biological, Biochemical, and Pathophysiological Evidence
by Marilena Briglia, Fabio Allia, Rosanna Avola, Cinzia Signorini, Venera Cardile, Giovanni Luca Romano, Giovanni Giurdanella, Roberta Malaguarnera, Maria Bellomo and Adriana Carol Eleonora Graziano
Nutrients 2024, 16(18), 3114; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16183114 - 15 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1901
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Rare diseases are a wide and heterogeneous group of multisystem life-threatening or chronically debilitating clinical conditions with reduced life expectancy and a relevant mortality rate in childhood. Some of these disorders have typical neurological symptoms, presenting from birth to adulthood. Dietary [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Rare diseases are a wide and heterogeneous group of multisystem life-threatening or chronically debilitating clinical conditions with reduced life expectancy and a relevant mortality rate in childhood. Some of these disorders have typical neurological symptoms, presenting from birth to adulthood. Dietary patterns and nutritional compounds play key roles in the onset and progression of neurological disorders, and the impact of alimentary needs must be enlightened especially in rare neurological diseases. This work aims to collect the in vitro, in vivo, and clinical evidence on the effects of diet and of nutrient intake on some rare neurological disorders, including some genetic diseases, and rare brain tumors. Herein, those aspects are critically linked to the genetic, biological, biochemical, and pathophysiological hallmarks typical of each disorder. Methods: By searching the major web-based databases (PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection, DynaMed, and Clinicaltrials.gov), we try to sum up and improve our understanding of the emerging role of nutrition as both first-line therapy and risk factors in rare neurological diseases. Results: In line with the increasing number of consensus opinions suggesting that nutrients should receive the same attention as pharmacological treatments, the results of this work pointed out that a standard dietary recommendation in a specific rare disease is often limited by the heterogeneity of occurrent genetic mutations and by the variability of pathophysiological manifestation. Conclusions: In conclusion, we hope that the knowledge gaps identified here may inspire further research for a better evaluation of molecular mechanisms and long-term effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Effect of Nutrients on Neurological Disorders)
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