Micronutrients for a healthy brain and mental functions

Micronutrients for a

HEALTHY BRAIN and mental functions

Dr. Rath Research Institute, San Jose, CA

Micronutrients for a healthy brain and mental functions

1st Edition

© 2023 Dr. Rath Health Foundation

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Internet: www.drrathbooks.com Published

Who can benefit from this information?

• Young people and students whose brain cells need more energy to fuel optimum brain function, mental performance, memory and coping with stress and psychological challenges.

• Professionals: People whose job performance depends on optimum brain function and memory.

• Mature individuals and seniors who seek natural ways to support their cognitive abilities, memory, and response to stressful situations.

• Everyone seeking natural and safe ways to maintain healthy function of cells building our brain and nervous system which are essential in successful stress management, problem solving and supporting mental abilities.

Many of our formulas have been awarded U.S. and international patents for their innovation and uniqueness.

This strategy of patenting natural health products will eventually help to establish science-based natural health to become an integral part of health care and the basis for a prevention-oriented health care system.

1. Healthy brain and nervous system functioning determines our general health

Our brain is a complex organ. It controls all our body’s functions, such as motor skills, vision, breathing, temperature regulation, also our mental alertness, thoughts, memory, emotions, and so much more. Its optimal function is essential for our general health and longevity.

Our interest in mental health tends to increase as we get older and begin to worry about memory problems and cognitive

decline. However, healthy brain and nervous system functioning is essential at every age as the foundation for a thriving life, influencing our education, relationships, career, and personal sense of fulfilment and happiness. Maintaining brain health also involves reducing risk factors and providing essential nutrition to our brain cells, to help to protect, maintain, and improve the brain’s complex and multiple functions.

Cells that build our brain and their functions

The health of any organ in our body depends on the optimum functioning of its basic building blocks – the cells. The human brain, which weighs approximately 1.4 kg (3 lb), is made up of billions of cells called neurons. Neurons communicate with each other by transferring electrical and chemical messages through their junctions (called synapses). This communication is critical to our learning, memory, and all other cognitive abilities.

Neuron branches, called dendrites, are surrounded by Schwann cells, which are the major glial cell type in the peripheral nervous system. These cells produce myelin sheaths, composed of proteins and

Neuron and Schwann cells

Schwann cells

Neuron

fatty substances, which wrap around neurons to insulate and protect them. Schwann cells are essential in the development, function, and regeneration of peripheral nerves.

In addition to neurons and Schwann cells, there are other cells critical for healthy functioning of the brain and nervous system. These include microglial cells which are the immune cells of the central nervous system and play important roles in brain infections and inflammation.

The survival and optimum functioning of all cells composing our brain and nervous system depend on a network of blood vessels that supply them with oxygen and nutrients.

Micronutrients are essential for healthy brain and nervous system functions

We all know that nutrition is especially critical in children for their brain development, but also as adults what we eat can influence our emotions, moods, or motivations and how we feel. Specific food components that are vital for cognitive function act on cellular processes at their molecular levels, which can impact upon our mental abilities, protect the brain from damage, facilitate its repair and slow down the effects of aging.

Our brain has special nutritional demands because it is one of the most biologically active organs in our body. It consumes lots of energy, oxygen, and nutrients, relative to

its size. Nearly 60 percent of brain tissue is made of fat, it contains lots of water and is the larger consumer of vitamin C. This vitamin is vital for all the brain’s functions, and its concentrations far exceed those in the rest of the body. This emphasizes the importance of a regular daily dietary intake of vi-

Microglial cell

tamin C, as humans cannot make vitamin C internally and cannot store it in their organs.

Other nutrients, such as the B vitamins, folic acid and omega 3 fatty acids, are also essential for our brain metabolism, in supporting its responsiveness, improved memory and concentration. Even minor nutritional imbalances or deficiencies c an have an enormous impact on brain function that can be manifested as problems

with memory, perception, verbal skills and mood.

Science confirms that specific nutrients supporting our cardiovascular health are also very important for a healthy nervous system, which depends on optimum blood supply and healthy circulation to carry nutrients and oxygen to the brain, increase bioenergy production, and many other functions.

Science documents benefits of nutrients in mental health

Today’s stressful life creates special challenges for our brain and metal health, not only in seniors, but also in students, careerminded individuals, busy moms and anyone facing a daily struggle, all searching for the best quality of life. Many clinical studies indicate that cognitive decline is on the rise and emphasize the importance of nutrition for better protection of our nervous system.

A ten-year study involving more than 7,000 adults aged 45-70 determined that mental decline begins as early as the age of 4 5. Even m ore t roubling was t he fi nding that participants aged 65-70 years had a 300% increase in cognitive decline compared with the 45-49 age group.1 This indicates that with age our brain’s

decline accelerates and becomes more noticeable.

Interestingly, various studies show that people experiencing mental impairment are deficient in essential vitamins and nutrients with a recognized protective role against cognitive decline.2 Nutrition and some specific nutrients (vitamin C, B vitamins, minerals, fatty acids) are especially recognized for supporting brain functions at cellular levels.3

Research also confirms that chronic stress can accelerate cognitive decline and impair memory function.4 In this aspect, some plants and their ingredients called “adaptogens” can help in managing stress and improving mental function.5

Choosing effective nutritional support is a challenge

The use of cognitive enhancers (called nootropics), which include nutritional supplements, has been growing, and now hundreds of products are flooding the market. While advertisements claim their various mental health benefits, the reality is that hardly any of them have been tested to support such a claim. Some supplements

contain arbitrarily selected combinations of ingredients without evaluating how they work together. This is significant, because such randomly mixed compounds can preserve, enhance, or even cancel out each other’s benefits. Therefore, finding a good quality mental health supplement is not easy.

Research as the basis of effective nutritional supplementation

The scientists at the Dr. Rath Research Institute have pioneered a science-based natural health field for almost three decades. Their research also includes testing micronutrient formulations for their final efficacy, which is rather rare in the nutritional supplements industry. However, we consider it as critical in supporting the true quality and value of nutritional supplementation in various aspects of health. It is important that customers understand why specific ingredients are included in a formulation and how they work together as a team to address their specific health needs.

- The Dr. Rath Institute has been at the helm of innovative scientific research and development of novel nutrient combinations. The efficacy of these formulations is evaluated at the level of cells and the entire organisms (drrathresearch.org)

- The scientific value of this research has been reflected in some 200 scientific peer-reviewed publications, including more than 140 listed in Medline (the largest US government sponsored medical library online).

- Our scientifically confirmed micronutrient compositions, including those supporting healthy brain function, have been

recognized for their value and uniqueness and awarded US and international patents.

A patent means that there is no comparable product in the world, and that the uniqueness of such a product is officially recognized.

Our pioneering approach to health – Nutrient Synergy

When searching for a better and safer alternative to randomly selected individual ingredients in high doses, we found a way to enhance the biological efficacy of multinutrient formulations. Towards this end we have shown that, by selecting the right nutrients and assembling them in specific metabolic teams, we can expand the range of biological targets while, through cooperation between individual ingredients, the whole combination becomes more effective.

These nutrient synergies represent the combined power of a group of nutrients

working together that is greater than the total power achieved by each compound working separately. A simple example of the power of synergy is the success we achieve in our professional work combining the skills, resources and aims of a likeminded group of people.

We foresee that by the wide application of science-based natural approaches we can effectively prevent or control many health issues and use this natural health strategy in building a new prevention-oriented healthcare system.

2. Proving the effects of micronutrient combinations in supporting cognitive abilities and mental health at the

cellular level

The team of scientists at the Dr. Rath Research Institute has been pioneering research into the essential role of micronutrients in optimizing brain function. In our research we scientifically selected some 50 natural compounds and conducted numerous laboratory experiments to evaluate their effects in various aspects of neuronal cells metabolism. From this group of nutrients, we selected the most effective ones for further testing of their combined effects in neuronal, glial and Schwann cells.

The scientific results of our work with our

nutrient complex were submitted to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and this work has been awarded the US patents US11,234,952 B1, US11,304,922 B1 and US11,304,921 B1.

This research documents that our scientifically developed and tested nutrient composition can enhance bio-energy production in the brain cells, improve brain neuroplasticity, which is essential for cognitive health and memory, and curb damaging inflammation in brain cells, all in addition to many other beneficial effects.

Key Elements of Healthy Brain Functions

More bioenergy (ATP) produced in the highly energy-demanding brain cells enhances their multiple functions.

Higher production of BDNF (Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor), a protein secreted by neurons, is important for survival and growth of neurons, th eir better response to new situations and environmental changes essential to learning and memory.

More mitochondria (bioenergy power plants) in the brain cells lead to increased energy, transmission of neuronal messages, better cell repair, and h ealthy brain metabolism.

Lower expression of IL-6 – cytokine involved in inflammation – b enefits i n alleviating tissue damage, age-related c ognitive decline, and various neurodegenerative processes.

Below are some key aspects of our research:

Natural enhancement of cognitive performance by increased synthesis of Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)

Adaptation of neurons to change, or socalled brain neuroplasticity, is important for our mental abilities and response to internal and external challenges. Towards this end, our brain cells can recognize themselves by forming new neural connections or adding new neurons. This neuroplasticity allows the neurons in the brain to compensate for injury and disease and respond to new situations or to changes in the environment.

One of the important mediators in this process is a protein secreted by the neuronal cells called Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). This biological factor extends the

lifespan of neurons, promoting their growth and differentiation, which are important in learning and better memory. Because of its fundamental role in the central nervous system, BDNF is considered a biomarker of memory and brain function. Many pharmaceutical companies are currently investigating BDNF in their search for a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.

Our findings:

We tested the effects of micronutrient synergy on BDNF secretion in neuronal, microglial and Schwann cells.

Neuronal cellsSchwann cells

Figure 1.

Our results in Figure 1 show that, in the presence of micronutrients, all these types of nervous-system cells increased BDNF production. The highest BDNF increase, by 517%, compared to control, was observed in neuronal cells. However, micronutrients also improved BDNF production

in Schwann cells by 45% and in microglial cells by 33%.

Higher BDNF production means better brain function and its adaptation to change.

Why bioenergy is important: The human brain is the most energy-demanding organ, consuming about 20% of the total energy generated in our body, while comprising only 2% of adult body weight. The main energy molecule used in nervous and all cells in our body is ATP. Our entire body at rest consumes about 40 kg (88 lb) of ATP every 24 hours, or 28 g (one ounce) per minute. During exercise this amount can jump from 28 g up to 500 g a minute.

It is a less known fact that the ATP molecule has other important functions in our body, such as in transmitting signals between various types of neuronal cells, the

processing of pain, response to mechanical and chemical factors, and in the microglial cells in responding to inflammation.

ATP is synthesized in specific cell organelles – the mitochondria – in nerve, glial, and other nerve-communicating target cells. It is released in response to neuronal activity and a variety of other factors, such as metabolic distress, inflammation, or cellular damage. Since our brain capacity to store ATP is limited and its mitochondria do not know how to ‘share’ ATP with mitochondria in other organs, a continuous ATP synthesis in neuronal tissue is essential. The cellular ATP production requires

Micronutrients can improve brain function by increasing bioenergy production (ATP) in the nervous system cells

specific nutrients such as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), and acetyl carnitine, which are a part of our synergy complex.

Our findings:

We experimentally documented that micro-

nutrient synergy can make more ATP available in the nervous system cells by:

- stimulating the production of bioenergy molecules (ATP) in neuronal and glial cells,

- increasing the number of cellular power plants (the mitochondria).

ATP synthesis in neuronal and microglial cells is significantly higher in the presence of nutrients

Figure 2 shows that both neuronal and microglial cells exposed to the combination of micronutrients produce far more ATP compared to these cells without such supplementation (Control). In the presence of

micronutrients, the ATP pool in microglial cells was 60% higher than in control cells and 117% higher in the neuronal cells.

Cells with more ATP perform better.

Neuronal cells

Figure 2.

More mitochondria in the brain cells means more bioenergy

Why mitochondria are important: Mitochondria are tiny cellular organelles that function as biological power plants generating energy that drives our metabolism and sustains life. These organelles also facilitate transmission of neuronal signals, support muscle contractions, learning and memory, cell growth and more. Neurons critically depend on mitochondria to execute complex processes of neurotransmission and response to challenges.

Mitochondria are quite independent cell organelles, and their number can only be increased by multiplication of the existing mitochondria. This copying process, in turn, depends on an optimum supply of micronutrients. Vice versa, long term nutrient deficiency in the brain cells can lower the number of mitochondria, decrease energy and, thereby, lead to various pathologies, including mental problems, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, cancer, and premature aging.

Our findings:

We evaluated the effects of micronutrients on increasing the number of mitochondria in the nerve cells by measuring the levels of two mitochondrial proteins: cytochrome C oxidase I (COX-1) and succinate dehydrogenase complex, subunit A (SDHA)*. These proteins are commonly used as the markers of the formation of new mitochondria in cells.

* COX-1 is produced and encoded in the mitochondrial DNA, while SDHA is part of the enzyme succinate dehydrogenase produced in the cell nucleus, but is essential for bioenergy production in the Krebs cycle and in the electron transport chain as Complex II.

The results shown in Figure 3 document positive effects of micronutrients on increasing the number of mitochondria in neuronal cells by 56% and in microglial cells by 36%.

Cells with more mitochondria have a better bioenergy supply and work more efficiently.

Micronutrients can protect brain function by curbing inflammation in nervous cells

Why controlling inflammation is important: Detrimental effects of inflammation in our body are widely recognized. On the one hand this process can protect us from invaders or injury, but if it skips out of control it causes severe damage in multiple organs, leading to serious diseases. Persisting inflammation in the brain has been linked to a wide range of mental problems, poor memory, depres-

IL-6

Figure 3.

sion, and exaggerated responses to pain. Overall, controlling inflammation in the brain and nervous tissue is critical for mental and overall health.

During inflammation, various chemicals, called cytokines, produced by our body’s white blood cells, can enter the blood or tissues, accelerating blood flow to the area of injury or infection, causing redness and heat. Some of these cytokines cause fluid to leak into the tissues, resulting in swelling. Cytokines also mediate communication to the central nervous system.

Among various cytokines and inflammatory mediators, Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is particularly important because it induces specific alarm (acute phase) proteins, such as the C-reactive protein (CRP), amyloid and the clotting precursor fibrinogen, among oth -

ers. Blockade of Il-6 has been recognized as a key mechanism in the control of inflammatory diseases.

Our findings: The anti-inflammatory ability of nutrient synergy was evaluated by exposing microglial cells to a compound called LPS, which is a widely known stimulant of inflammation. To these cells we added micronutrients and tested whether they can lessen or inhibit the important inflammation marker, IL-6 cytokine.

The results in Figure 4 show that microglial cells exposed to LPS significantly increased the secretion of IL-6 (center column). However, in the presence of micronutrients, the secretion of this cytokine was reduced to a control level, which means that it was completely inhibited.

In other experiments, we could see that this micronutrient complex could also curb inflammation triggered by a common food additive, MSG (monosodium glutamate).

Less IL-6 means less inflammation and healthy cells.

Figure 4.

3. Information on individual components in our nutrient synergy

Scientific evidence indicates that every ingredient in our composition tested as an individual component has beneficial effects on some brain functions. However, as evaluated in our studies and documented in our patents, their combined effects significantly expand both the range of beneficial processes and increased ef ficacy when compared to each ingredient used alone.

Theanine is an amino acid analogue in green tea that has shown benefits in stress disorders, improving mood, and maintaining normal sleep. In clinical studies theanine intake contributed to improving attention, enhancing working memory and mental functions, also under stress.6, 7

Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea L.) is widely used to stimulate the nervous system, ease anxiety, enhance work performance, relieve fatigue, and prevent high altitude sickness. Its roots contain more than 140 active ingredients, of which the two most potent being rosavin and salidroside. Rhodiola may support cognitive function, healthy mood, and brain health through a variety of mechanisms. It can improve symptoms of burnout, which can occur with chronic stress.8

mammal, which assists mitochondria in the generation of metabolic energy in cells. Low levels of NAD negatively impact the ability of brain cells to operate at optimal levels, leading to fatigue, memory loss, poor focus, among other negative effects.

Rosehips are the fruit of the wild rose (Rosa canina) and are commonly used as an herbal remedy. Various studies have shown that rosehip plants extracts are able to reduce the proliferation of cancer cells, including in brain tumor (glioblastoma).9

Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) is a plant belonging to the parsley family and should not be confused with kola nut (Cola nitida), used to flavor cola soft drinks. Its main active ingredients are compounds known as triterpenes, which increase the strength and volume of collagen, an important building block of blood vessels and all other organs. Gotu kola activates the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that acts like fertilizer for our brain, encouraging new brain cell formation. It also increases nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein that stimulates the growth of new nerve cells and safeguards existing ones.

NAD (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a powerful, naturally occurring coenzyme found in the body of every living

Gotu kola has been used in the treatment of brain-related disorders including mental fatigue, anxiety, depression, memory loss, and insomnia.10 It can protect brain cells

from neurotoxins such as lead, arsenic, and aluminum. Gotu kola is also well regarded for its ability to improve circulation and was used to treat varicose veins.

American ginseng is effective in memory improvement, and in prevention of degenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. The neuroprotective effect of ginseng may be useful in the prevention of depression. Indirectly, enhanced memory can ameliorate anxiety.11

Pyrroloquinone (PQQ) is used for energy, memory, enhanced focus, and overall brain health.12

Bacopa monieri has shown efficacy in improving the speed of visual information processing, learning and memory, while reducing anxiety. Its positive effects on cognitive function were shown in healthy students.13

Acetyl carnitine (ALC) supplementation has been shown in various studies to significantly decrease depressive symptoms, offering a comparable effect with that of established antidepressant agents with fewer adverse effects.14

Information presented in this booklet can benefit everyone, especially...

• S tudents looking for natural and safe ways to support healthy brain functions important for memory and problem solving, as well as coping with anxiety and stress.

• Professionals searching for ways to optimize the brain function needed to accomplish their daily tasks and job performance.

• Middle aged individuals and seniors searching for essential nutrients to benefit memory, information processing, and resistance to environmental and psychological stressors.

Supportive Reading

1. Singh-Manoux A, Kivimaki M, Glymour MM, Elbaz A, Berr C, Ebmeier KP, Ferrie JE, Dugravot A. Timing of onset of cognitive decline: results from Whitehall II prospective cohort study. 2012 BMJ, 344:d7622. doi: 10.1136/bmj.d7622.

2. Del Parigi, A, et al., 2006. “Nutritional factors, cognitive decline, and dementia” Brain Research Bulletin 69 (1): 1-19. doi: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2005.09.020.

3. Gómez-Pinilla, F. 2008. “Brain Foods: the effects of nutrients on brain function”.Nature Reviews Neuroscience 9 (7): 568578. doi: 10.1038/nrn2421.

4. Sandi, C., 2007. “Memory Impairments Associated with Stress and Aging”. CRC Press/Taylor & Francis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/ NBK3914/#ch12.r3.

5. Panossian, A., Wikman, G., 2010. “Effects Of Adaptogens on the Central Nervous System and the Molecular Mechanisms Associated with their Stress — Protective Activity”. Pharmaceuticals 3 (1): 188-224. doi:10.3390/ph3010188.

6. Baba Y., et al., 2021. “Effects of LTheanine on Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged and Older Subjects: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study.” J Med Food. 24(4):333-341. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2020.4803.

7. Hidese, S., et al., 2019. “Effects of LTheanine Administration on StressRelated Symptoms and Cognitive Functions in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Nutrients . 11(10):2362. doi: 10.3390/nu11102362.

8. Koop, T., et al., 2020. “Effects of a Rhodiola rosea extract on mental resource allocation and attention: An event-related potential dual task study.” Phytother Res. 2020 Dec;34(12):3287-3297. doi: 10.1002/ptr.6778.

9. Cagle, P., et al., 2012. “Effect of Rosehip (Rosa Canina) Extracts on Human Brain Tumor Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis”, Journal of Cancer Therapy, 3 (5): 534545. doi: 10.4236/jct.2012.35069.

10. Puttarak P., et al., 2017. “Effects of Centella asiatica (L.) urb. on cognitive function and mood-related outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Sci Rep. 7(1):10646. doi: 10.1038/s41598017-09823-9

11. Lee, S., Rhee, D. K., 2017. “Effects of ginseng on stress-related depression, anxiety, and the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal axis.” J Ginseng Res 41(4):589594. doi: 10.1016/j.jgr.2017.01.010.

12. Jonscher, K.R., et al., 2021. “Pyrroloquinoline-Quinone Is More Than an Antioxidant: A Vitamin-like Accessory Factor Important in Health and Disease Prevention.” Biomolecules 11(10), 1441;

13. Kumar, N., et al., 2016. “Efficacy of Standardized Extract of Bacopa monnieri (Bacognize®) on Cognitive Functions of Medical Students: A Six-Week, Randomized Placebo Controlled Trial.” Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016:4103423. doi: 10.1155/2016/4103423.

14. Veronese N., et al., 2018. “Acetyl-L Carnitine Supplementation and the Treatment of Depressive Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Psychosom Med. 80(2):154-159. doi: 10.1097/PSY.0000000000000537.

RESEARCHERS

Aleksandra Niedzwiecki, Ph.D.

As the Director of Research at the Dr. Rath Research Institute, Dr. Niedzwiecki and her team are researching and developing unique nutrient synergy approaches in various aspects of health and disease. This work in cardiovascular health, cancer, infections, and other areas has led to establishing the link between disease prevention and the biochemical synergy of nutrients.

Anna Goc, Ph.D.

Dr. Goc is a senior researcher at the Dr. Rath Research Institute. She leads the microbiology laboratory focused on developing effective and safe approaches to controlling infections. She has wide-ranging knowledge in the fields of microbiology, immunology, cancer, and vascular biology. Her research at the Dr. Rath Research Institute focuses on the benefits of micronutrients and their synergy in various aspects of human metabolism.

Parthena Boulikas, B.S.

Parthena Boulikas studied Biology in Canada and conducted scientific work at different companies, including the Linus Pauling Institute and biopharmaceutical companies (Johnson & Johnson and Delpor). As a member of our research team, she works on the role of nutrients in the prevention of various diseases.

Matthias Rath, M.D.

Dr. Rath is a world-renowned physician and scientist known for his pioneering research in natural and cellular health. He is the founder of the scientific concept of Cellular Medicine, introducing practical knowledge and applications of micronutrients in various aspects of health into clinical medicine.

Disclaimer:

This booklet is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice of a physician. The reader should regularly consult a physician in matters relating to his or her health and particularly in respect to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention.

© Dr. Rath Health Foundation 23.

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