The use of magnetic resonance spectroscopy for assessing the effect of diet on cognition

Nutr Neurosci. 2018 Jan;21(1):1-15. doi: 10.1080/1028415X.2016.1218191. Epub 2016 Aug 29.

Abstract

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is an important tool for studying the effects of nutrition on brain health. MRS can be used to measure the concentrations of metabolites which are related to cognitive performance and sensitive to diet. These measurements can provide information about metabolic efficiency, plasma membrane stability, antioxidant status, and neurotransmitter availability. MRS can therefore be used to elucidate the biochemical mechanisms by which diet influences cognition, and to characterize the effects of nutritional interventions targeted to improve cognition.

Keywords: Aging; Brain health; Brain metabolism; Non-invasive brain imaging methods; Nutritional intervention.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aspartic Acid / analogs & derivatives
  • Aspartic Acid / blood
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Choline / blood
  • Cognition*
  • Creatine / blood
  • Diet*
  • Glutamic Acid / blood
  • Glutamine / blood
  • Humans
  • Inositol / blood
  • Lactic Acid / blood
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy*
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / metabolism
  • Taurine / blood
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / blood

Substances

  • Neurotransmitter Agents
  • Glutamine
  • Taurine
  • Aspartic Acid
  • Lactic Acid
  • Glutamic Acid
  • Inositol
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
  • N-acetylaspartate
  • Creatine
  • Choline