Nutritional Strategies for Neuroprotection: Vitamins, Minerals, and Beyond
摘要
Neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), Frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and Spinocerebellar ataxia are forms of cognitive decline that pose significant public health challenges globally. Progressive discoveries highlight the pivotal function of nutrition in influencing brain health and reducing the risk of neurodegeneration. Nutrients like probiotics, prebiotics, and glutamine with immunomodulatory and anti-phlogistic effects might reduce the risk of brain injury and infection-related complications. Integrative nutritional strategies are holistic approaches that combine balanced dietary habits with complementary therapies—such as physical activity, stress management, sleep hygiene, and sometimes supplementation or functional foods—to promote optimal brain health and resilience against neurodegeneration. This chapter delves into the neuroprotective potential B-group vitamins, ascorbic acid, calciferol, and tocopherol, essential minerals (including zinc, selenium, magnesium, and iron), and bioactive nutrients beyond the classical categories like essential fatty acids, polyphenols, and amino acids. It discusses the significance of antioxidant defense, anti-inflammatory effects, and modulation of neurotransmission. Furthermore, the chapter evaluates clinical and epidemiological evidence supporting nutritional interventions, reviews recent advances in nutraceuticals and functional foods, and explores synergistic dietary approaches for comprehensive neuroprotection. Emphasis is placed on translational relevance and the need for precision nutrition strategies to mitigate age-related cognitive decline.