Behavior: Effects of Diet on Behavior

Diet-behavior interactions range-from subtle mood changes, sleepiness, and alertness, to aspects of cognitive function, such as intelligence memory and attention, and aspects of mental health, such as depression and anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and dementia. Dietary factors vary from gross meal effects, including timing and size, deprivation, and impact of macronutrient proportions to specific actions of micronutrients such as B vitamins, iron, zinc, and essential fatty acids. Understanding of potential mechanisms is considered, including interactions between glucose, stress, and cortisol, impact on neurotransmitter systems, and the role of essential fatty acids in neuronal membrane structure and function.