Synergistic mechanisms of micronutrients in cognitive function and mental health
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35335/midwifery.v14i4.2492Keywords:
Brain Health, Cognitive Function, Mental Health, Micronutrients, Nutritional SynergyAbstract
Background: Micronutrients support neuronal metabolism and signaling, but clinical synergy remains uncertain. Objective: To distinguish biological interactions from intervention evidence linking micronutrients with cognition and mental health. Methods: This narrative review synthesized Indonesian and international studies and 35 peer-reviewed references dated 2020–2026, considering design, population, nutrient status, and outcome. Results: Meta-analytic evidence supports benefits of iron for selected cognitive domains in schoolchildren. Randomized multivitamin-mineral studies reported cognitive improvements in older adults. Some vitamin D trials showed reduced adult depressive symptoms, whereas zinc, magnesium, and B-vitamin evidence differed in strength and clinical directness. Iron, zinc, magnesium, vitamin D, and B vitamins converge on energy metabolism, neurotransmission, one-carbon reactions, and inflammatory pathways, but convergence alone does not prove synergy. Conclusion: Adequate diets and targeted deficiency management remain priorities. Specific combinations require factorial trials that test interaction effects. The novelty is a mechanism-to-outcome evidence framework distinguishing biological plausibility, association, and intervention findings.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Karina Shasri Anastasya, Meutia Atika Faradilla, Aditya Krishna Murthi, Deasyka Yastani, Mutiara Ferina, Nabila Maudy Salma
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