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Assessment of the Metabolic Effects of Isocaloric 2:1 Intermittent Fasting in Mice
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The Effects of Intermittent Fasting on Brain and Cognitive Function
Jip Gudden1, Alejandro Arias Vasquez1,2, Mirjam Bloemendaal1
1Department of Psychiatry, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Nutrients
|September 28, 2021
Summary
Intermittent fasting (IF) shows potential for brain health, particularly in managing neurological disorders like epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease. More research is needed to confirm its cognitive benefits in healthy individuals and diverse populations.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Dietary Science
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- The gut-brain axis and diet are crucial for brain health and cognitive function.
- Dietary interventions are explored for preventing and treating brain disorders.
- Intermittent fasting (IF) shows promise in animal models for neurobiological health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential benefits of IF on cognitive function.
- To explore IF's effects on the prevention and progression of brain disorders in animals and humans.
- To summarize IF's metabolic, cellular, and circadian mechanisms impacting brain structure and function.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on intermittent fasting and brain health.
- Analysis of animal models and human clinical trials.
- Synthesis of findings on metabolic, cellular, and circadian mechanisms.
Main Results:
- No clear short-term cognitive benefits of IF observed in healthy subjects.
- Clinical evidence suggests IF benefits epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, and multiple sclerosis symptom management.
- Animal studies indicate potential benefits of IF for Parkinson's disease, stroke, autism, and mood disorders.
Conclusions:
- IF shows therapeutic potential for specific neurological and psychiatric conditions.
- Further research, including longitudinal studies and RCTs, is required.
- Investigating IF's effects across different demographics (age, obesity) and fasting protocols is essential.
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