Micronutrients are the essential vitamins and minerals that play an important role in a plethora of physiological functions such as immune function, development and DNA repair, brain cognition and metabolism. It is estimated that at least one third of people worldwide suffer from at least one form of micronutrient deficiency. Further, aging hinders micronutrient absorption, posing as a link between micronutrient deficiency and brain function in the aging population. Deficiencies can cause several systemic issues ranging from cognitive impairment and susceptibility to infections and disease, all the way to extreme conditions like neurodevelopmental disorders. Of great interest is the potential for utilizing micronutrients to improve overall brain function in health and disease.

Can supplementation or micronutrient-focused interventions prevent, slow, or stop neurological diseases as a modifiable risk factor? How do the resident cells of the brain utilize micronutrients to perform their essential functions? With recent advances in sequencing technologies, -omics and our understanding of the CNS using animal models and humanized models such as induced pluripotent stem cells and organoids, we can establish a series for the recent advances in therapies that investigate mechanism(s) of micronutrient function in the contexts of health and disease.

By placing spotlight on the role of micronutrients on brain function, the goal of this research topic is to increase the depth and breadth of their potential as therapeutic options.

We welcome the submission of manuscripts on themes including, but not limited to:

• Micronutrient deficiencies and supplementation for the central nervous system
• Micronutrient therapeutics to CNS disease and disorders including preventative approaches.
• Mechanism(s) or mechanistic insights into micronutrient biology in the brain.
• Advances with micronutrients and neurological repair, neurogenesis, neurodevelopment.
• Epidemiological data or meta-analyses investigating the associations between micronutrients and brain function and/or CNS disease and disorders.

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The Role of Micronutrients on Brain Function

Topic Coordinator