Diet, Brain, Behavior：Practical Implications

As the field of nutritional neuroscience has grown, both the scientific community and the general population have expressed a heightened interest in the effect of nutrients on behavior. Diet, Brain, Behavior: Practical Implications presents the work of a diverse group of scientists who collectively explore the broad scope of research in the field.

The subject matter of each chapter in this volume was chosen to ensure the current or potential for further applicability to practical, applied issues. Topics discussed include:



Concepts of mental energy and fatigue
The dangers of obesity and its effect on behavior
Exercise, dietary restriction, and supplements for weight loss
The effects of caffeine, creatine, theanine, B vitamins, and other dietary supplements on brain functioning and behavior
The reward deficiency hypothesis and eating disorders
The importance of maintaining proper fluid intake
The effects of eating breakfast on performance
The role of diet in pain sensitivity


During the past decade, there has been an explosion in research and publications in this field. This collection of contributions represents the cutting edge of current research and new advancements in this area. The book provides essential information to those working in a diverse range of fields, including nutrition, neuroscience, psychology, and exercise physiology as well as medicine, dietetics, and occupational therapy.

Robin B. Kanarek is a John Wade Professor, Professor of Psychology, and Adjunct Professor of Nutrition at Tufts University. He received his Ph.D. in Psychology from Rutgers University, in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Harris R. Lieberman is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Connecticut. His research interests include nutritional factors, dietary supplements and brain function, effects of nutrition on human cognitive performance, and environmental stress and central nervous system function.

Mental Energy and Fatigue: Science and the Consumer; Harris R. Lieberman
Hydration and Brain Function; Kristen E. D’Anci
Diet as an Analgesic Modality; Alexis M. Codrington, Yoram Shir, and John Pereira
Breakfast and Adult and Child Behaviors; Andrew P. Smith
Diet, Physical Activity, and Substrate Oxidation: Implications for Appetite Control, Weight Loss, and Body Composition; Mark Hopkins, Neil A. King, and John E. Blundell
The Reward Deficiency Hypothesis: Implications for Obesity and Other Eating Disorders; Brenda M. Geiger, Erin N. Umberg, and Emmanuel N. Pothos
Potential Consequences of Obesity on Cognitive Behavior; Nicole A. Jurdak and Robin B. Kanarek
Dietary Supplements for Weight Loss; Igho Onakpoya and Edzard Ernst
Sweet Taste Preferences and Cravings in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM): Implications for Diet and Medical Management; Beverly J. Tepper, Lisa M. Belzer, John C. Smulian, and Shou-En Lu
Homocysteine, B Vitamins, and Cognitive Function; Joshua W. Miller
Creatine, Brain Functioning, and Behavior; Patricia J. Allen, Kristen E. D’Anci, and Robin B. Kanarek
Theanine, Mood, and Behavior; Jessica E. Smith and Peter J. Rogers
Caffeine: Practical Implications; Andrew P. Smith
Caffeine Effects on Aggression and Risky Decision Making; Caroline R. Mahoney, Tad T. Brunyé, and Grace E. Giles
Index