New Insights on Nutrition and Gut–Brain Axis

Dear Colleagues,

Different dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean, high-fiber, plant-based, high-protein, ketogenic, and Western diets, have been linked to varying effects on neuropsychiatric symptoms, neuroprotection, and neuroinflammation, influencing outcomes from stress-related disorders to neurodegeneration. The gut microbiome interacts with dietary compounds, processes macronutrients and micronutrients, contributes to energy balance, and produces metabolites, many of which have neuroactive properties. Evidence demonstrates that diet is a major determinant of gut microbiome composition, and alterations in diet–microbiome interactions can impact host health, including brain function. This relationship has led to the concept of the diet–microbiota–gut–brain axis, which encompasses the immune system, metabolism, endocrine signaling, and neuronal pathways.

Several factors should be considered when interpreting diet–microbiota–gut–brain interactions, including environmental influences, food composition, geography, cultural and genetic factors, and aging. A deeper understanding of these interactions may pave the way for targeted dietary interventions and precision nutrition strategies to optimize brain health and mitigate neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders.

We invite researchers to submit original research, including cross-sectional, cohort, and interventional studies on animal models and human populations, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Submissions should explore the complex interplay between diet, gut microbiota, and brain function.

We look forward to receiving your contributions to this Special Issue.

Dr. Livia Hecke Morais
Guest Editor

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