As the field of nutritional neuroscience has grown, both the scientific community and the general population have expressed a heightened interest in the effect of nutrients on behavior. Diet, Brain, Behavior: Practical Implications presents the work of a diverse group of scientists who collectively explore the broad scope of research in the field. The subject matter of each chapter in this volume was chosen to ensure the current or potential for further applicability to practical, applied issues. Topics discussed include: Concepts of mental energy and fatigue The dangers of obesity and its effect on behavior Exercise, dietary restriction, and supplements for weight loss The effects of caffeine, creatine, theanine, B vitamins, and other dietary supplements on brain functioning and behavior The reward deficiency hypothesis and eating disorders The importance of maintaining proper fluid intake The effects of eating breakfast on performance The role of diet in pain sensitivity During the past decade, there has been an explosion in research and publications in this field. This collection of contributions represents the cutting edge of current research and new advancements in this area. The book provides essential information to those working in a diverse range of fields, including nutrition, neuroscience, psychology, and exercise physiology as well as medicine, dietetics, and occupational therapy.

Scientific and commercial interest in the field of nutritional neuroscience has grown immensely over the last decade. Today, a broad range of dietary supplements, foods for weight loss, functional foods, nutraceuticals, and medical foods are widely available. Many of these products are marketed for their effects on behavior or brain function, which relates directly to nutritional neuroscience and raises issues regarding their safety and efficacy. The only comprehensive reference on this subject, Nutritional Neuroscience discusses the relationship of nutrition to behavior and neuroscience. Following a review of fundamental issues and methods, the book covers the effects of macronutrients and micronutrients on brain function and behavior. Chapters are devoted to the effects of a wide range of foods, specific nutrients, food constituents, and food additives on cognitive behavior and development. The final section examines foods and supplements that modulate brain function. With a broad range of information presented in a simple and straightforward manner, this book provides an ideal introduction to nutritional neuroscience. The depth of information and comprehensive coverage also make this an essential reference for specialists involved in nutrition, neuroscience, pharmacology, psychology, and related disciplines.

The relationship between nutrition and behaviour is bi-directional in nature, with nutritional factors able to affect activity and disposition, and behavior impacting diet and food intake. This book reviews these links, starting with their complex neurobiological basis, such as in the case of folate deficiency and cognitive decline. It also illustrates how behaviour may determine nutritional choices or status through peer modelling and poor dietary habits. Micronutrients and eating disorders are then critically addressed, with a review of current research methods and results, before extra-nutritional influencers on behaviour such as caffeine, herbal supplements and alcohol are discussed in the final section.