B Vitamins and the Brain: Depression
Kristen E. D’Anci, PhD, and Irwin H. Rosenberg, MD
Depression is a common psychological disorder that affects people of all ages, and is more commonly diagnosed in women than in men. It has significant comorbidity with other psychological disorders and medical problems, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes. Pharmacological management with serotonin reuptake blockers and other antidepressants provide some symptom relief, but some patients are resistant to antidepressant treatment. There is mounting evidence that low blood levels of vitamins B6, B12, and/or folate are associated with symptom severity in depression. Some patients who are resistant to antidepressant treatment have low blood levels of B12 or folate. Although there is no evidence to support the use of vitamin supplementation in the prevention of depression, some research suggests that the administration of vitamins B6 and B12, folic acid, and/or folacin may improve treatment outcome in depressed patients.
Nutr Clin Care. 2005;8:143–148
© 2005 International Life Sciences Institute
The Ketogenic Diet: An Effective Therapy for Seizure Control
Eric H. Kossoff, MD, and John M. Freeman, MD
Created in 1921, the ketogenic diet is a high-fat, adequateprotein, low-carbohydrate diet that creates a ketotic state and is used to reduce seizures. However, its primary mechanism of action remains a mystery. Although traditionally used for children with intractable epilepsy, it can also be used for infants, adolescents, and adults. Preliminary studies indicate that a modified Atkins diet may also reduce seizures. In this review, practical aspects of diet initiation, management, side effects, and discontinuation are discussed.
Nutr Clin Care. 2005;8:149–157
© 2005 International Life Sciences Institute
Dietary Modulation of Pain Sensitivity
Robin B. Kanarek, PhD
Acute and chronic pain management is a highly pressing clinical issue. There is considerable evidence that environmental factors associated with nutritional status are of particular significance in determining pain sensitivity and responsiveness to
opiate analgesics. The short-term intake of palatable (particularly sweet-tasting) foods and fluids has analgesic properties in both human and animal models of nociception. The ingestion of sweet fluids can potentiate the analgesic effects of opiate drugs such as morphine. In other research, omega-3-polyunsaturated fatty acids may be useful in ameliorating the pain associated with a number of common disorders, including dysmenorrhea, arthritis, and migraine headaches. While the exact mechanism of these findings has yet to be determined, the use of dietary adjuncts in the management of clinical pain should be explored.
Nutr Clin Care. 2005;8:158–162
© 2005 International Life Sciences Institute
Hydration Status and Cognitive Performance in Young Adults
Kristen E. D’Anci, PhD
Adequate hydration levels are important for both mental and physical functioning. Research conducted in young adults suggests that mild levels of dehydration (2%–4%) can negatively influence cognitive performance in a variety of tasks, but these
data are inconsistent. Dehydration may be relatively common in young adults, especially following athletic events, and hypohydration may persist for several hours following exercise. In healthy young adults, symptoms of confusion, cognitive impairment, and fatigue may be indicative of mild dehydration brought about by exposure to heat or by physical activity.
Nutr Clin Care. 2005;8:163–166
© 2005 International Life Sciences Institute