Public Health

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Microbiology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Diet profoundly influences gut microbiota and neurocognition, impacting age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.
• Healthy diets (Mediterranean, DASH, MIND) promote microbial diversity and cognitive function, while Western diets disrupt gut microbiota and exacerbate neuroinflammation.
• Dietary patterns are key modifiable factors affecting cognitive health and the gut microbiome.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review scientific evidence on dietary components influencing adult cognitive performance and gut microbiota composition.
• To identify key nutrients and dietary patterns affecting brain health and the gut microbiome.

Main Methods:

• A narrative review of existing scientific literature was performed.
• The review focused on summarizing evidence regarding diet, gut microbiota, and cognitive function.

Main Results:

• Macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats) and micronutrients (vitamins B, D, E; minerals) offer neuroprotection.
• Omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, prebiotics, and probiotics positively impact cognitive function and gut health by reducing inflammation, enhancing SCFA production, and modulating microbiota.
• Specific probiotic strains (e.g., Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium longum) have shown significant cognitive and anxiety improvements.
• High-fiber diets increase beneficial bacteria (Bifidobacterium, Akkermansia muciniphila), while fiber-deprived diets are linked to cognitive decline.

Conclusions:

• Diet plays a crucial role in mitigating cognitive decline and maintaining a healthy gut microbiota.
• Personalized dietary strategies, considering individual gut microbiota, offer a promising approach for cognitive health and neuroprotection.
• Further large-scale, robust trials are needed to establish causality and refine dietary recommendations.