The role of nutrition throughout the lifespan

Nutrition and lifestyle choices begin shaping mental health and brain function from the first moments of life. Even before birth, nutrients delivered from the mother interact with foetal DNA, influencing the development of cells, enzymes, and the neural circuitry that will support cognitive and emotional health across the lifespan. These nutrient-gene interactions don’t stop after birth; they continue to play a central role in growth, repair, and the day-to-day functions required for mental wellbeing (Bekdash, 2024).

When it comes to mental health, these same interactions are just as crucial. Our brains and nervous systems rely on the right nutrients at the right times, not just for development, but for handling stress, regulating mood, and thinking clearly. If something goes off track, problems can crop up. Sometimes, the issue is in our genes—mutations can make it harder for our bodies to produce certain enzymes or brain chemicals. Other times, it’s about what’s missing from our diet. Without enough of the nutrients our brains need, those vital chemical reactions slow down or stop. And then there are environmental factors — toxins, pollution, or even chronic stress — that can interfere with how our genes and nutrients work together.(Suárez-López et al., 2023; Granero, 2022). Environmental toxins, chronic stress, and other lifestyle factors may also interfere with nutrient-gene interactions, further increasing the risk of mental health disorders (Waheed et al., 2024; Himmerich & Mirzaei, 2024).

It’s no surprise, then, that recent clinical guidelines are urging a broader approach to mental health care. For example, the Autism CRC guidelines and National ADHD clinical treatment guidelines  recommend that doctors  consider not only medication and therapy, but also nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management as part of a comprehensive, multimodal treatment plan (Wong et al., 2024; Teasdale et al., 2025). Recent research and expert consensus highlight that good mental health depends not just on treating symptoms, but on supporting the brain and body with the nutrients and healthy habits they need to thrive (Marcelli et al., 2025; Marx et al., 2023).