Mediterranean Diet's Gut-Brain Axis Role in Neuroprotection Under Review
A recent narrative review published in the journal 'Nutrients' indicates that while the Mediterranean Diet (MD) is linked to reduced cognitive decline and dementia risk, direct human evidence proving that MD-induced microbiome changes mediate these neuroprotective effects is limited. The MD, characterized by high intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, extra-virgin olive oil, fish, poultry, and fermented dairy, provides bioactive compounds like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. These components are known to mitigate oxidative stress, regulate inflammation, and improve vascular function. The review highlights that the MD may promote microbial diversity and metabolic resilience in the gut microbiome by offering diverse metabolic substrates for colonic microbes, leading to the generation of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). SCFAs are believed to support epithelial function, mucus production, and intestinal barrier integrity, thereby reducing local and systemic inflammation....
