Abstract: This monograph aims to evaluate the utility of single nutraceuticals as well as whole dietary
interventions in the prevention and treatment of mental disorders. There is lot of data on the possible
advantages of prophylactic nutrition interventions for neurodegenerative diseases, most commonly
based on polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), B vitamins. However,
there is little evidence for the treatment efficacy of these nutraceuticals for neurocognitive disorders so
far. Regarding patients at risk for schizophrenia or suffering from psychosis there is some evidence for
efficacy of N-acetylcysteine, PUFA, or B vitamins. The use of vitamin C, E, D3 or zinc in this population is
of uncertain utility. The supplementation of omega-3 PUFA, magnesium, zinc, selenium, iron or N
acetylcysteine is under investigation as prevention or treatment for depression and anxiety. Next, PUFA
omega-3, N-acetylcysteine, folic acid, coenzyme Q10, magnesium, or amino acids may be used in the
treatment of bipolar disorder. Nonetheless, their therapeutic role in the clinical population needs to be
confirmed. Recently, awareness of the influence of the gut microbiota, the central nervous system
functioning, and mental health has been growing. The imbalance of gut microbes and their dysfunction
has been shown to be connected with many mental disorders, e.g., schizophrenia, depression, autism
spectrum disorder, or bipolar disorder. There is research data on the influence of probiotics or prebiotics
for the functioning of the nervous system. Gut microbiota may also affect the metabolism of many
pharmaceuticals. On the other hand, animal studies have shown the influence of pharmacotherapy on the
microbiota changes. Regarding the whole dietary interventions, there is lack of consensus on the influence
of vegetarian or vegan diet on mood, stress level, or quality of life. Ketogenic diet, on the contrary, may
be an important part in the therapy of such diseases as binge eating disorder, autism spectrum disorder,
or schizophrenia. Additionally, it was shown that elimination of gluten from the diet may have favourable
effect on schizophrenia clinical picture. Moreover, Mediterranean diet, thanks to modulation of
inflammatory or metabolic processes, or the positive influence on cognitive functions, may be a
therapeutic option for patients with affective and psychotics disorders, among others. The same probably
applies to Japanese, Nordic o any other traditional diets. To sum up, dietary interventions are modern
preventive and therapeutic approaches to mental illnesses. Diet impacts the gut microbiota, modulating
metabolism and functioning of the host. Particular elements of the diet, like vitamins, macro- and
microelements, PUFA, influence on the metabolism of neurotransmitters, or may act as anti
inflammatory, immunomodulatory and antioxidant factors.
Keywords: mental disorders, mental illnesses, depression, nutrition, diet, dietary supplements,
nutraceuticals, vitamins, minerals, microbiota