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This doctoral-level course examines the complex and dynamic relationships between nutrition, brain function, and mental health through an integrative, evidence-based lens. Students explore foundational concepts in neuroanatomy, neurotransmitter systems, and pathophysiology alongside the biochemical roles of nutrients, dietary patterns, and metabolic processes in shaping mental health. Emphasis is placed on how nutritional status interacts with neurobiological mechanisms, inflammation, gut microbiota, and lifestyle factors to influence mental health outcomes.
Through case-based learning, critical analysis of peer-reviewed research, applied nutrition assessments, and experiential activities, students develop advanced clinical and scholarly skills in evaluating and translating nutrition science for mental health contexts. The course critically examines emerging areas of nutritional psychiatry, including nutrient deficiencies, ultra-processed foods, glycemic load, and microbiome-related pathways, while emphasizing the limits of causality, variability in evidence quality, and ethical considerations in practice.
Designed for advanced practitioners and researchers, the course prepares students to integrate neurobiological knowledge with nutritional biochemistry and systems-based reasoning to support mental health in diverse populations and to communicate evidence-informed recommendations with clinical humility, cultural sensitivity, and professional responsibility—positioning nutrition as a supportive, adjunctive component of comprehensive mental health care rather than a standalone treatment.
Explain and accurately describe neuroanatomical structures, neurotransmitter systems, and pathophysiological mechanisms and their interaction with nutrition underlying major mental health conditions.
Apply nutritional biochemistry principles to identify and explain how specific nutrients, dietary patterns, and deficiencies influence neurotransmission and mental health across different life stages.
Analyze clinical and research-based scenarios to determine relationships among diet, inflammation, gut microbiota, metabolic function, and mental health outcomes.
Critically evaluate peer-reviewed research on nutrition and mental health by assessing study quality, limitations, and strength of evidence.
Integrate neurobiological, nutritional, microbiome, lifestyle, and psychosocial factors to formulate nutrition-informed, context-appropriate mental health strategies for specific conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, metabolic or inflammatory conditions).
Communicate and justify nutrition-based mental health recommendations using clear, evidence-informed, and ethically responsible language, demonstrating cultural sensitivity and appropriate professional scope of practice.
Required Course Pack:
Required Textbooks:
View the required textbooks for this class, including ISBN, edition, and retail price, by visiting our Required Textbooks page.
Total Course Price:
View the total course price including tuition, fees, course materials, and shipping online here.
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