Functional Foods as Microbiota–Gut–Brain Axis Modulators
A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutrition and Neuro Sciences".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 October 2026 | Viewed by 214
Editors
2. Department of Health Science & Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, 9260 Gistrup, Denmark
Interests: health; pharmacology; neuropharmacology; pain research; food security; translational medical research; neuroscience; microplastic; brain health; future food
2. Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
Interests: migraine; brain health; headaches; neuroscience; chronic pain
2. Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
Interests: biological behavioral omics; cancer; child and adolescent health; data science; health disparities; methods; neurocognitive neuroscience; symptom science
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The microbiota–gut–brain axis (MGBA) represents a key biological pathway through which nutrition influences brain function, behavior, and symptom expression across the lifespan. Functional foods, including prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, and bioactive dietary compounds, have demonstrated the capacity to modulate gut microbial composition, microbial metabolites (e.g., short-chain fatty acids, tryptophan metabolites), immune signaling, and neuroinflammatory pathways relevant to human health.
This Special Issue aims to highlight mechanistic, clinical, and translational research examining how functional foods and targeted nutritional interventions influence MGBA-related physiological indicators and health outcomes. We particularly welcome studies focusing on neurocognitive function, pain and migraine, stress-related disorders, metabolic–inflammatory conditions, and symptom burden in vulnerable populations such as children, adolescents, and individuals with chronic disease. Submissions may include human intervention studies, observational research, omics-based approaches, and integrative reviews addressing dietary composition, microbiome-derived biomarkers, and personalized nutrition strategies.
By consolidating emerging evidence in this rapidly evolving field, this Special Issue seeks to advance nutritional strategies with meaningful clinical and public health relevance for brain and mental health.
Dr. Parisa Gazerani
Dr. Calli Leighann Cook
Dr. Jinbing Bai
Guest Editors
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Keywords
- microbiota–gut–brain axis
- functional foods
- prebiotics and probiotics
- postbiotics
- gut microbiome
- neuroinflammation
- brain health
- pain and migraine
- dietary bioactives
- human nutrition
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