Tag: Neurodegeneration

According to the National Institutes of Health, up to 90% of Americans may not get enough choline, an essential nutrient, from their diets. The long-term effects of low choline intake can significantly impact several major organ systems, with serious consequences for overall health and cognitive function over time.

For decades, it was widely believed that the brain operated almost exclusively on glucose, with fat serving a purely structural role in the nervous system. Groundbreaking new research has definitively overturned this dogma, confirming that neurons can use fat for fuel, a revelation that redefines our understanding of brain metabolism and function.

Recent research, including a 2025 study in *Biomedicines*, showed that fecal nervonic acid was significantly elevated in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, demonstrating a link between this fatty acid and inflammatory conditions. So, what does it mean when your nervonic acid is high, and what are the potential underlying causes?

According to a 2023 study published by the National Institutes of Health, older adults adhering to the Mediterranean or MIND diets showed less evidence of amyloid plaques upon autopsy. This compelling research prompts a deeper investigation into what diet reduces beta amyloid to support long-term cognitive health.

According to a 2025 study in *Nature Aging*, the protein FTL1, also known as ferritin light chain 1, was found to be a key driver of brain aging in mice. The protein FTL1 is a subunit of the larger ferritin complex, an intracellular protein responsible for storing and releasing iron. This makes FTL1 found in nearly all cells, with its specific concentration and function varying significantly depending on the tissue and physiological conditions.

Recent studies suggest that excessive or uncontrolled levels of autophagy can be detrimental to health, causing more harm than good in some cases. While this cellular 'self-eating' process is vital for recycling damaged parts and removing pathogens, its overactivity can lead to cell death and contribute to serious diseases, including cancer and heart problems.

The human brain, while only 2% of the body's weight, consumes about 20% of the body's daily energy intake. What we eat directly impacts this energy supply and the brain's overall performance, a factor often underestimated. Prioritizing brain-healthy foods can enhance memory, focus, and overall well-being.

The human brain, astonishingly, is composed of nearly 60% lipids, making them a fundamental component for neurological function. But beyond structural support, the role of lipids in the nervous system is multifaceted, impacting everything from cell signaling to energy production and neuroprotection.

Over one-third of the world's population is affected by iron deficiency, which can have profound effects on the body's ability to transport oxygen. The critical mineral that carries oxygen to the brain, and indeed to all other tissues, is iron, an essential component of hemoglobin.

The brain requires a highly controlled and constant supply of iron for proper function, with its needs met through a complex transport system that primarily relies on the blood-brain barrier. This critical mineral is essential for everything from neurotransmitter synthesis to myelin production.