Many nutrients really are “food for thought.” The brain is the most active part of the body and has an enormous appetite, requiring about 20 percent of our total energy intake to function. But energy is not the sole source of “food” for the brain: vitamins, fatty acids and minerals are also important for optimizing cognitive health. The high energy demands and the considerable blood flow to the brain mean that nutrients involved in energy metabolism and producing healthy blood cells will help us maintain normal cognition, such as the B-vitamins and iron. Other micronutrients play an unappreciated role in brain health: omega-3s, vitamin E and vitamin D. How do they contribute to nutrition for the brain?
