Preview

Nutrients on Cognitive Development

Powerful Essays
Open Document
Open Document
2912 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Nutrients on Cognitive Development
Abstract
The importance of nutrition on mental well-being is an essential component that factors into the overall standing of an individual’s health. First, one must accept the foundations of nutrition in order to grasp an appropriate understanding of the role it plays in cognitive functioning. This examination consists of an in-depth analysis of specific vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids in relation with cognitive health. When exploring the role of vitamins, a certain few will be discussed. These include vitamin B9 (folic acid), vitamin B12 (cobalamin), and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine). The role of minerals calcium and iron will then be reviewed. Lastly, the effects and importance of essential fatty acids will be investigated in relation to brain function, development, and growth. The findings lead one to appreciate the necessity of incorporating such nutrients into dietary practice.

The Importance of Nutrition on Mental Well Being Since the dawn of human existence, there have only been a small number of essential components that factor into our survival. For some, these factors may be unknown as humans have begun to rely on artificial intelligence and synthetic creations for overall welfare. Civilization as an entirety has resorted to a materialistic mindset that has obscured the truths behind the most important component responsible for well-being - health. The essence of human vitality lies within the foundations of what is consumed on a daily basis, as the way we nourish our bodies provides support for the demanding lifestyles encountered by modern societies. Implementing a healthy diet into daily routine allows one to reap full potential benefits of taking part in adequate nutrition, however many remain oblivious to the building blocks behind what a healthy diet consists of. The knowledge is there, but due to thousands of differentiating views on the optimal diet for human health one must



References: Aaron, S., Kumar, S., Vijayan, J., Jacob, J., Alexander, M. and Gnanamuthu, C. (2005). Clinical and laboratory features and response to treatment in patients presenting with vitamin B12 deficiency-related neurological syndromes. Neurology India, 53, 55–59. Adunsky A, Arinzon Z, Fidelman Z, et al. 2005. Plasma homocysteine levels and cognitive status in long-term stay geriatric patients: a cross-sectional study. Arch Gerontol Geriatr, 40,129–138. Alpert, J. E., Mischoulon, D., Nierenberg, A. A., & Fava, M. (2000). Nutrition and depression: Focus on folate. Nutrition, 16, 544–546. Beard, J. (2007). Recent evidence from human and animal studies regarding iron status and development. The Journal of Nutrition, 137, 524–530. Black, M. M. (2003). Micronutrient deficiencies and cognitive functioning. Journal of Nutrition, 133(2), 3927–3931. Cousens, G. (2000). Depression-free for life. New York: William Morrow Fafouti, M., Paparrigopoulos, T., Liappas, J., Mantouvalos, V., Typaldou, R., & Christodoulou, G Gadoth, N., Figlin, E., Chetrit, A., Sela, B. A. and Seligsohn, U. (2006). The neurology of cobalamin deficiency in an elderly population in Israel. Journal of Neurology, 253, 45–50. doi: 10.1007/s00415-005-0919-4. Godfrey, P., Toone, B., Carney, M., Flynn, T., Bottiglieri, T., Laundy, M., et al. (1990, August 18). Enhancement of recovery from psychiatric illness by methylfolate. Lancet, 336, 392–395. Hutto, B. R. (1997). Folate and cobalamin in psychiatric illness. Comprehensive Psychiatry, 38, 305–314. Kamei, K., Tabata, O., Muneoka, K., Muraoka, S. I., Tomiyoshi, R., & Takigawa, M. (1998). Electrolytes in erythrocytes of patients with de- pressive disorders. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, 52, 529–533. Kaplan, B. J., Crawford, S. G., Field, C. J., & Simpson, J. A. (2007). Vitamins, minerals, and mood. Psychological Bulletin, 133(5), 747-760. doi:10.1037/0033-2909.133.5.747 Lozoff, B., Beard, J., Connor, J., Felt, B., Georgieff, M., & Schallert, T McNamara, R., & Carlson, S. (2006). Role of omega-3 fatty acids in brain development and function: potential implications for the pathogenesis and prevention of psychopathology. Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes, And Essential Fatty Acids, 75(4-5), 329-349. Moore, E., Mander, A., Ames, D., Carne, R., Sanders, K., & Watters, D. (2012). Cognitive impairment and vitamin B12: a review. International Psychogeriatrics, 24(4), 541-56. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1041610211002511 Morris, M Refsum H, Nurk E, Smith AD, et al. 2006. The Hordaland Homocysteine Study: a community-based study of homocysteine, its determinants, and associations with disease. Journal of Nutrition, 136, 1731S–1740S. Rest, V Richardson, A. J. (2003). The importance of omega-3 fatty acids for behaviour, cognition and mood. Scandinavian Journal of Nutrition, 47(2), 92-98. Thomas, D. G., Grant, S. L., & Aubuchon-Endsley, N. L. (2009). The role of iron in neurocognitive development. Developmental Neuropsychology, 34(2), 196-222. doi:10.1080/87565640802646767 Thys-Jacobs, S., Starkey, P., Bernstein, D., & Tian, J Toescu, E. C., & Verkhratsky, A. (2007). The importance of being subtle: small changes in calcium homeostasis control cognitive decline in normal aging. Aging Cell, 6(3), 267-273. doi:10.1111/j.1474-9726.2007.00296 Weston, P., & Howard, M Youdim, M. (2001). Deficiency and excess of iron in brain function and dysfunction. Nutrition Reviews, 59, S83–S85

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    Nsd 225 Study Guide

    • 2522 Words
    • 11 Pages

    13. Iron is VERY POORLY absorbed; only 5-10% of iron is absorbed by normal adults.…

    • 2522 Words
    • 11 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Sci 241 Week 5

    • 24622 Words
    • 99 Pages

    1. What is a vitamin? 2. List four factors that can affect how much of a vitamin is available to the body. 3. What do enrichment and fortification mean? 4. Name a function common to all of the B vitamins. 5. Why is thiamin deficiency a concern in alcoholics? 6. Why should milk be packaged in opaque containers? 7. What is pellagra? 8. How is vitamin B6 involved in amino acid metabolism? 9. Why is low folate intake of particular concern for women of childbearing age? 10. Why are vegans at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency? the elderly?…

    • 24622 Words
    • 99 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    1. Differentiate between absolute and functional iron deficiency in the context of ACD and IDA.…

    • 855 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Each of the three sources covered the story thoroughly, but stories 1 and 2 took a different stance on increased omega-3 consumption. Both of these sources cited the American Academy of Neurology, and Professor James Pottala of the University of South Dakota. Both sources also detailed the experiment done by Pottala; he took “1,111 post-menopausal women with an average age of 70 years from Women's Health Initiative Memory Study”(Bhatt). 8 years later the women were given an MRI and only source 2 covered the results: 0.7% had a larger brain volume and 2.7% saw an increase of the hippocampus, and area “that is associated with learning and memory” (Bhatt). These sources talk about the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids in ones diet, stopping brain shrinkage in women and increasing overall brain health. This action could help memory loss and prevent Alzheimer’s. Source one also mentioned the oil could “reduce the risk of heart disease” (Moore). Both sources also mentioned 2 of the best sources of omega-3, “docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)” (Moore). They also gave examples of where these acids are found: salmon, kiwi, walnuts, sardines, tuna and herring. Source 3…

    • 697 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Hca/240 Blood Disorders

    • 893 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Mulvihill, M. L., Zelman, M., Holdaway, P., Tompary, E., & Raymond, J. (2006). Human diseases: A systemic approach (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall…

    • 893 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Five Aging Myths

    • 326 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Many people in our society view older adults as senile and weak. Some even treat them like children, and insist on making decisions for them as if their decision making abilities are totally lost. We tend to put a “caution” label on our elderly. In reality, senility only affects five percent of the population. According to Aesoph, some age related declines in mental functioning can be either prevented or reversed. Something as simple as taking multi-vitamins could possibly prevent symptoms of senility.…

    • 326 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Better Essays

    Psy 315 Hypothesis Testing

    • 1589 Words
    • 7 Pages

    In today’s world of statistical research there is a multitude of ways to make new discoveries and formulate new ideas; one way to accomplish this is for researchers to have inquiring minds that need to have their questions answered. To do this they must develop their hypothesis. Then researchers can develop a verbal and numerical hypothesis in which they will be able to test this hypothesis. In patients with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), there seems to be a malfunction in the brain cells to soak up dopamine, which can lead to ADHD, it causes the patient to lose the ability to focus or retain any attention span (Allan, 2012). Team A will show the statistical outcome of diet versus traditional medications. Common treatments and side effects will be discussed in another slide, along with the importance of eating a balanced diet with “clean” foods. Results show that eating a high-protein diet with complex carbohydrates and foods with Omega -3 fatty acids seem to play a role in alleviating ADHD symptoms. What seems to do good things for our brains seems to do good things for those that suffer from ADHD. Avoiding foods that are simple carbohydrates like candy, sugars, and foods made with white flour is a good idea, as these foods seem to make matters worse.…

    • 1589 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    Phobias and Addictions

    • 885 Words
    • 4 Pages

    O 'Brien, C.P., Childress, A.R., Ehram, R., & Robbins, S.J. (1998). Journal of Psychopharmacology, 12.…

    • 885 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    References: Grosvenor, M.B. & Smolin, L.A. (2006). Nutrition: Everyday choices, Minerals provide structure and regulate function. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley.…

    • 502 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Brain Boosting Essay

    • 520 Words
    • 3 Pages

    DHA might likewise fill in as a brain sponsor by braining cells impart, as per scientists. One 1999 audit of studies on DHA, distributed in the diary Pharmacological Research, found that the supplement is vital to ordinary brain capacity and that an eating routine rich in DHA enhances learning while an absence of DHA makes learning capacity endure.…

    • 520 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Omega 3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids. This means that they are vital for human health. However, the body can’t make these essential fatty acids, so we get them in our diet by consuming foods that contain them, such as nuts, fish, and other seafood like algae (Ehrlich, 2011). So what makes omega 3 fatty acids so important? Well, other than reducing inflammation and lowering the risk of chronic diseases including heart disease, cancer and arthritis, omega 3 fatty acids are crucial in brain function and development (Ehrlich, 2011). The concentration of omega 3 fatty acids in the brain is high, making them important for cognitive and behavioral function (Ehrlich, 2011).This is where omega 3 fatty acids link to depression, since depression is a mental disorder.…

    • 871 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Iprofile Analysis

    • 1165 Words
    • 5 Pages

    In looking over my Food Journal Summary and my Intake Compared to DRI dealing with micronutrients; I noticed my intake of Vitamin A was 88 micrograms and my DRI was 700 micrograms. I got 49% from the grilled cheese and 1% from the banana chips. To improve my Vitamin E intake I should eat more beef and cooked vegetables such as carrots. My Vitamin D intake was below the recommended range at 0 mg; I should eat more fish such as salmon or possibly find a Vitamin D supplement. My consumption of Vitamin E or Alpha-Tocopherol was an intake of 1 mg and my DRI was 15 mg. 28%, 3%, 19%, and 15% came from the chicken tenders, banana chips, grilled cheese, and French fries. To get a better intake of Vitamin E I should start eating more fortified breakfast cereals and leafy green vegetables such as spinach. My Thiamin intake was 0.3 mg and my DRI was 1.1 mg; I received 19%, 4%, 9%, 12%, and 18% from the grilled cheese, coffee, chicken tenders, and from the French fries and cookies. To better improve my Thiamin intake I should eat more enriched grains such as pasta and baked goods. When looking at my Riboflavin intake I have 0.5 mg and my DRI was 1.1 mg. 21%, 16%, 9%, 3%, and 10% came from the grilled cheese, coffee, chicken tenders, French fries, and cookies. To better improve my intake of Riboflavin I should increase my consumption of dairy, red meat, and vegetables like steak, milk, and broccoli. My Niacin intake was 6 mg and my DRI was 14mg. 36%, 3%, 2%, 12%, 11%, and 10% came from the chicken tenders, coffee, banana chips, grilled cheese, the French fries, and cookies. To get more Niacin in my diet I need to eat more trout and eat more poultry. My intake of Pantothenic Acid was 0.9 mg and my DRI was 5.0 mg. 28%, 17%, and 10% came from coffee, French fries, and the banana chips. To improve my Pantothenic Acid intake I should eat more eggs, meat, and whole grains. My intake of Vitamin B6 is 0.3 mg and my…

    • 1165 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Best Essays

    Flavored Water

    • 2933 Words
    • 12 Pages

    • Bormann, Leslie; Mattes, Richard. "Effects of (-)-hydroxycitric acid on appetitive variables." Physiology & Behavior. 71(2000) pp. 87–94.…

    • 2933 Words
    • 12 Pages
    Best Essays
  • Best Essays

    • What are the reasons or causes of the problem? - Lack of educated doctors, low salary and old technology;…

    • 2796 Words
    • 12 Pages
    Best Essays
  • Best Essays

    References: 5. Richard F.Hurrell.Preventing. 1997. Iron Deficiency Through food Fortification.[ Cited 2013 Feb 23] Availble from URL: http://idpas.org/pdf/298PreventingIDThrough.pdf…

    • 1858 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Best Essays