The role of nutrition in mental health is gaining momentum globally, thanks to trailblazing research and growing public awareness.

In a recent webinar hosted by the Canadian Mental Health Association, Dr. Julia Rucklidge and Dr. Bonnie Kaplan—leaders in the field of nutritional psychiatry—shared pivotal insights on the profound impact of food on brain health, pregnancy outcomes, and emotional resilience.

What Is Nutritional Psychiatry?

Nutritional psychiatry explores how dietary choices directly influence mental health outcomes.

This field marries nutrition science with psychology and psychiatry, emphasizing that mental well-being is intimately tied to the quality of what we eat.

As researchers like Dr. Rucklidge have shown, this connection becomes even more striking when we examine the consequences of poor diet on mental health. Dr. Rucklidge highlighted that modern diets highlighted that modern diets—rich in ultra-processed foods and low in essential nutrients—are strongly contributing to rising mental health concerns.

However, she also emphasized the opportunity: targeted diet changes and nutritional supplementation can significantly improve mental health.

Why Micronutrients Matter for Mental Health

Dr. Kaplan emphasized the critical role of micronutrients—vitamins and minerals—in brain function, and also highlighted the importance of essential fatty acids and amino acids as key building blocks for the brain.

She explained two key concepts:

• Cofactors: Enzymatic processes in the brain rely on an abundant supply of micronutrients to function optimally.
  
  

• Energy Production: The brain's high energy demands require a steady supply of nutrients to generate ATP, the body's energy currency.

Without adequate micronutrient intake, mental and emotional regulation can deteriorate, contributing to cognitive and mood disorders.

Nutrition During Pregnancy: A Crucial Window

Dr. Rucklidge’s research has emphasized the importance of maternal nutrition. Alarmingly, only 3% of pregnant women in New Zealand meet basic dietary guidelines—a pattern likely reflected across other developed nations.

Research shows:

• Higher intake of ultra-processed foods during pregnancy has been associated with increased risks of developmental disorders such as ADHD, autism, and internalizing disorders in offspring, in a dose-dependent manner.
  
  

• In contrast, observational studies suggest consuming whole, nutrient-dense foods significantly reduces these risks.
  
  

The Nutrimum Trial found that broad-spectrum micronutrient supplementation during pregnancy:

• Showed a trend toward lower rates of preterm birth in the micronutrient group compared to both national averages and antidepressant-exposed pregnancies, though this was not the primary outcome of the trial. 
  
  

• Infants exposed to micronutrients in utero demonstrated positive developmental trends, such as better motor control, regulation, orientation, and reflexes, as assessed shortly after birth. 

• Participants receiving micronutrients experience fewer obstetric complications, including a lower rate of postpartum hemorrhage, though more research is needed to confirm these findings.
  

Micronutrients vs. Medications: A Promising Alternative

While antidepressants can be helpful for some women during pregnancy, Dr. Kaplan and Dr. Rucklidge emphasized that they do not fully mitigate risks associated with maternal depression, particularly regarding birth outcomes.

In contrast, broad-spectrum micronutrient supplementation has been associated with meaningful improvements in maternal mood and showed encouraging trends in birth outcomes—all without an increase in side effects compared to placebo.

Why Whole Foods Still Matter Most

While micronutrient supplementation can be transformative, both Dr. Kaplan and Dr. Rucklidge emphasized a "food-first" philosophy—where whole, nutrient-dense foods form the foundation of mental and physical well-being.

Whole foods not only supply critical vitamins and minerals but also deliver phytonutrients—plant-based compounds that, although not classified as essential, are likely important for optimal health and brain function.

Looking Ahead: A Shared Vision for Mental Wellness

Dr. Rucklidge and Dr. Kaplan closed the webinar on a hopeful note:

Momentum is building. Research is growing. Awareness is spreading. 

Their call to action was clear:

• Advocate for better education on the link between food and mental health.
  
  

• Push for updates to clinical practice guidelines.
  
  

• Protect access to high-quality natural health products.
  
  

At Hardy Nutritionals®, we couldn’t agree more. Our mission is rooted in this very philosophy: that nutrition isn’t secondary to mental health—it’s central. That’s why we developed Daily Essential Nutrients: a broad-spectrum, clinical-strength formula designed to deliver the therapeutic micronutrient support the brain and body need to thrive.

As more people seek safe, natural, evidence-based options for emotional resilience and long-term wellness, we’re proud to stand on the side of science—and by the side of every person looking for a better way forward.

Learn More

• Nutrition and Mental Health Webinar

• Bonnie J. Kaplan's Website

• Julia Rucklidge's Research at University of Canterbury
  

About Hardy Nutritionals®

Hardy Nutritionals® multivitamin-mineral products are powered by our proprietary NutraTek™ mineral delivery technology, which combines each mineral with specialized organic molecules—just like nature—to optimize absorption and distribution to body cells. Our flagship supplement, Daily Essential Nutrients, is widely considered to be the most research-backed micronutrient treatment.