1.
Micronutrients, Phytonutrients, and Mental Health
As the pioneer and global leader of Functional Medicine, the Institute of Functional Medicine leads and catalyses the efforts of a large and expanding Functional Medicine ecosystem, including providers, educators, payers, industry leaders, regulators, and influencers.
2022
Abstract
The IFM provides some food for thought around the topic of micronutrient deficiency in the population today and how this is having a detrimental impact on our mental health. The many avenues of micronutrient depletion are explored including stress and the link between the coronavirus pandemic and the rise in mental health issues across the globe. They shine a spotlight specifically on magnesium and B vitamins where low levels have been linked to increased risk of depression, plus the importance of anti-inflammatory dietary phytonutrients and antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, D and E which have been associated with reduced levels of stress, anxiety and depression. Besides the evidence for a varied and nutrient dense diet, we are reminded that strategies for managing stress should also be considered with respect to both the direct impact on our mental and physical health, and the risk of micronutrient depletion.
2.
The Functional Medicine Approach to COVID-19: Virus-Specific Nutraceutical and Botanical Agents
As the pioneer and global leader of Functional Medicine, the Institute of Functional Medicine leads and catalyzes the efforts of a large and expanding Functional Medicine ecosystem, including providers, educators, payers, industry leaders, regulators, and influencers.
2021
Abstract
This document published in December 2020 discusses the mechanisms of action of a number of different botanical and nutraceutical agents. These agents can be considered immunoadjuvants, defined as substances that act to accelerate, prolong, or enhance antigen-specific immune responses by potentiating or modulating the immune response. The aim of this paper is to provide resources for practitioners who are supporting patients going through Covid-19. This article is part one of a series and the link for part two can be found under the section “Background and Introduction”.