Grant: Team Grant: Nutrition and the Epigenome

Low or imbalanced dietary intake of B-vitamins such as folate and vitamin B12 may have adverse effects on brain development in early life and brain function in later life. Human studies show that improved folate status of mums during pregnancy is associated with better cognition in the child, whilst optimal folate and related B-vitamin status may prevent cognitive decline in older adults. The biological basis explaining these relationships could involve B-vitamin-driven regulation of genes involved in brain development and function. A better understanding of the mechanisms linking relevant B-vitamins and gene-controlling mechanisms with brain health at critical stages of the lifecycle is necessary to support evidence-based health improvement strategies. With a team of interdisciplinary researchers from Canada, the UK and Spain, we propose to investigate the linkage between nutrition and brain function across the lifespan, and to study the genetic basis to explain these relationships. We will access existing data and blood samples, and conduct new genetic analysis of existing, well-characterized studies in pregnancy and older adults, in Canada and in Europe. This project will lead to improved understanding of the role of B vitamins and their genetic effects in relation to brain function in childhood and older age, with expected results anticipated to provide scientific substantiation to support nutritional strategies for sustaining better brain health through the lifespan.