Micronutrients and Brain Health

Micronutrients and Brain Health addresses cutting-edge research related to processes of oxidative stress that affect brain function, an area of increasing significance for those concerned and involved with public health and translational medicine. Edited by four leading micronutrient researchers, the book brings together the investigative work of more than 70 leading researchers from across the world. Chapters identify brain-specific micronutrients that support function as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying their neuroprotectant activity. These explore age-related metabolic pathways, mitochondrial nutrients, neurodegeneration and micronutrients, cell signaling, and neuronal functions. General chapters are included on brain structure, function, and metabolism, while several other chapters are devoted to the role of specific micronutrients. The book explores how brain micronutrients are found to be both metabolic and redox regulators, thereby establishing a cross-talk between the major pathways involved in modulation of cell signaling and gene expression. Specific areas of research covered include:

• Uses of nutritional interventions to target age-related neuronal and behavioral deficits
• Effects of various micronutrients on Alzheimer’s disease, including lipoic acid, green tea, and Ginkgo biloba extracts
• Nutrients specific to essential mitochondrial functions
• Cognitive and behavioral consequences of iron deficiency with specific emphasis on women of reproductive age
• Omega-3 fatty acids and their relation to brain function in the elderly
• Challenges inherent in the development of neuroprotective-neurorescue drugs

This book belongs to the groundbreaking CRC Press Series on Oxidative Stress and Disease. The series now includes more than two dozen volumes that address increasing evidence regarding the multiple ways that oxidative stress initiates and accelerates disease mechanisms. Most importantly, this book, like the series, offers invaluable information regarding nutritional and lifestyle choices, and pharmaceutical interventions that can be employed to prevent, control, and even ameliorate disease processes attributed to oxidative stress.

Lester Packer, Helmut Sies, Manfred Eggersdorfer, Enrique Cadenas