Dr. Schmidt reports that “we are beginning to learn that if you want a brain that functions to its full potential and provides a lifetime of vital service, you must pay attention to dietary fat. The potential is that with this new knowledge, we may now make precision changes in our diets from very early in life in the hope that we might ensure brain function throughout our lives. We may be able to improve adult function even if dietary fat changes are implemented now. The potential is that we might be able to intervene in a variety of brain disorders by taking advantage of the fact that the brain structure itself might be modified by our fat consumption.

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And what about trans-fats? Dr. Schmidt says, “Trans fatty acids impair the enzymes we need to convert dietary fatty acids into brain-fats and messengers.” In his opinion, “the intake of trans fatty acids has important implications for adults, and becomes more important with each passing generation because the brain consequences of inadequate fatty acids seems to grow larger with each generation raised on inadequate diets.”

Michael A. Schmidt, PhD, did his doctoral research in molecular medicine within the Life Sciences Division at NASA Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, California. He continues to work in collaboration with NASA scientists in the field of metabolism and human performance. Dr. Schmidt is the author of six popular books on health and nutrition, and he is coeditor of a forthcoming textbook on nutritional pharmacology and clinical neuroscience. Dr. Schmidt is a professional member of the Society for Neuroscience, the Metabolomics Society, and the Epigenetics Society. He currently directs a research laboratory in Boulder, Colorado.

Liz Lipski, PhD, CCN Is the host of the Access to Health Experts interview series. She holds a doctorate and is board certified in Clinical Nutrition, is the author of Digestive Wellness, Digestive Wellness for Children, and Leaky Gut Syndrome. She’s the Director of Doctoral Studies at Hawthorn University, and the nutrition editor for Pilates Style Magazine. Dr. Lipski is the founder of several web-based health information sites including Innovative Healing and Access to Health Experts.