Nutrition for the Mind: Cognitive Enhancement in Sports and Exercise
A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Sports Nutrition".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 June 2026) | Viewed by 948
Editor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The Special Issue explores the growing recognition that optimal athletic performance depends not only on physical conditioning but also on cognitive functioning. In recent years, research has increasingly shown that nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting key mental processes such as attention, memory, decision-making, reaction time, and psychological resilience—abilities that are fundamental in both competitive sport and everyday physical activity. We therefore invite contributions that examine how specific nutrients, dietary patterns, supplements, or nutritional strategies can enhance cognitive performance before, during, or after exercise.
Topics of interest include the effects of macronutrients and micronutrients on brain function, the role of hydration and electrolyte balance in maintaining cognitive clarity, and the potential of ergogenic aids such as caffeine, creatine, omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and polyphenols to boost mental performance. We also welcome studies addressing the interaction between nutrition, neuroplasticity, mood regulation, sleep, and stress management, as well as how nutritional interventions may mitigate cognitive fatigue during prolonged training or competition.
By integrating perspectives from sports science, nutrition, neuroscience, and psychology, the aim of this Special Issue is to advance evidence-based strategies that support athletes’ cognitive health and optimize performance across diverse sporting contexts.
Dr. Carmen Mannucci
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- cognitive performance
- sports nutrition
- exercise-induced fatigue
- ergogenic supplements
- brain health
- nutritional strategies
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