The relationship between diet, gut flora, and mental health has received increasing attention in scientific circles. A study published in Brain, Behavior, and Immunity shows that high-dose vitamin C supplements when taken to correct a deficiency can improve mental vitality and mood in healthy individuals. The authors describe how vitamin C supplementation influences the gut microbiota, and how the balance of the gut flora is closely linked to mood through the so-called gut–brain–immune axis.

Young children frequently develop thrush, an infection caused by an overgrowth of the yeast Candida albicans, which is part of the natural microflora. Diet and immune capacity play a major role. Research also indicates that even mild deficiencies of protein, vitamins A and D, as well as iron and zinc, increase the risk of this unpleasant oral infection. These findings are reported in a study published in Nutrients.

Atherosclerosis and associated cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of death worldwide. However, evidence suggests that optimal blood levels of vitamin D may protect against atherosclerosis and early death, according to a large population study published in Clinical Nutrition. It is alarming that vitamin D deficiency is so widespread - especially during the winter months and among people who spend little time in the sun during summer. Also, older people, diabetics, individuals with darker skin, and other vulnerable groups have more difficulty producing and activating the vitamin. As a result, many people need high-dose supplements to maintain optimal blood levels throughout the year.

Vegetarian and vegan diets have become very popular – especially among women and younger people – but there is cause for concern, as these plant-based diets often lack a number of essential nutrients. One of them, iodine, plays an important role in metabolism, estrogen balance, and cancer prevention. According to an article published in Frontiers in Nutrition, women of childbearing age, pregnant women, and children are particularly vulnerable. The authors discuss the health benefits of iodine and how much we actually need.

The use of glyphosate-based herbicides to control weeds may increase the need for selenium, according to a new population study published in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety. Choosing organic produce may therefore be worthwhile if you want to avoid pesticide residues in food. It is also important to ensure adequate selenium intake.

Vitamin C plays a particularly important role in the innate immune system, which combats most pathogens without causing noticeable symptoms. The vitamin is also involved in regulating inflammatory processes, protecting cells against oxidative stress, and supporting wound healing, according to a new review article published in Nutrients.

Atopic eczema primarily affects children and is also known as childhood eczema or asthma eczema. A deficiency of vitamin D during pregnancy alone increases the risk that the child will develop the condition. According to a Swiss study published in Nutrients, supplementation with vitamin D, fish oil, and the fatty acid GLA can alleviate various symptoms of atopic eczema in children.

- which can harm pregnancy and general health

Cadmium is a widespread environmental toxin that accumulates in the body through the food chain, air pollution, and tobacco smoke. According to a new study published in the Journal of Women’s Health, pregnant women exposed to high levels of cadmium have an increased risk of developing a critical condition called preeclampsia. In addition, long-term exposure to cadmium can cause kidney damage, osteoporosis, and respiratory cancer. Evidence also suggests that cadmium interferes with the body’s utilization of zinc, a mineral that plays a role in hundreds of enzymatic processes and functions as an important antioxidant that protects cells. Therefore, it is advisable to minimize cadmium exposure as much as possible and to ensure an adequate zinc intake.