Advancing Nutritional Therapies for Neurological Disorders: Challenges, Opportunities, and Future Directions
摘要
Advancing nutritional therapies for neurological disorders presents both challenges and opportunities. Key challenges include the complexity of neurological diseases with varied pathophysiologies, difficulty overcoming the blood–brain barrier (BBB), and the lack of standardized nutritional guidelines. The variability in nutrient bioavailability and the need for personalized treatments complicate the development of effective therapies, while long-term efficacy and safety remain uncertain for many interventions. Despite these challenges, several dietary strategies show promise. The ketogenic, Mediterranean, and intermittent fasting diets have demonstrated potential in managing disorders like epilepsy and Alzheimer’s disease by enhancing brain metabolism, reducing inflammation, and promoting neuroplasticity. Additionally, nutraceuticals such as omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants (e.g., vitamins E and C), and polyphenols (e.g., curcumin and resveratrol) offer neuroprotective benefits, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. The growing understanding of the gut–brain axis presents new opportunities for using probiotics and prebiotics to address conditions like Parkinson’s disease and depression. Furthermore, precision nutrition—tailored to an individual’s genetic and metabolic profile—offers the potential to optimize treatment and enhance therapeutic outcomes. Future directions should focus on conducting large-scale clinical trials to establish the long-term safety and effectiveness of nutritional interventions. Research targeting metabolic pathways in neurological diseases, particularly mitochondrial dysfunction, could further improve nutritional therapies. Collaboration between neurologists, dietitians, and other experts, along with the use of digital health tools, will be crucial for refining personalized approaches to neurological care. Ultimately, advancing nutritional therapies could lead to more effective treatments and preventive strategies for neurological disorders.