Nutrient synergy refers to the concept that the interaction between various nutrients in the body is significant and can have a greater impact on overall health than the sum of their individual effects. Essentially, this means that the combination of two or more nutrients working together can have a more significant impact on the body than each nutrient working alone. Examples of nutrient synergy include the interaction between vitamin C and iron, which can enhance the absorption of iron from plant-based foods, and the interaction between vitamin E and selenium, which can work together as antioxidants to protect the body's cells from damage. The importance of nutrient synergy also depends on the amplification between its components, their capacity to withstand digestion, and their cumulative impact on human physiology and health.

While there is a promising body of evidence demonstrating that combinations of nutrients offer greater benefits for human health and performance than their isolated components, there is a need for more work in this area to identify efficacy and mechanism of action of synergistic pairings. Not only may certain nutrient combinations be beneficial for overall health, but they may also influence various dimensions of human performance, such as cognitive functioning, stress resilience, and physical performance. Nutrient synergy therefore highlights the importance of establishing a nutritional foundation through a diet that includes a variety of essential and conditionally essential nutrients in foods that support optimal health and wellbeing. The goal of this Research Topic is to further explore the concept of nutrient synergy and its impact on human health, longevity, and vitality. Submissions will be accepted in the form of Original Research, Systematic Reviews, Meta-Analyses, Scoping Reviews, Hypothesis and theories, mini-reviews, and Clinical Trials.

Subtopics of interest in this context include (but are not limited to):
• Combinations of nutrients to influence human health and performance in varying contexts, including cognition, sport, and physiological performance
• Whole Food Interventions
• Research on synergism between pre and probiotics and the implications for human health and performance
• Multi-ingredient dietary supplements, including both synergy between composite ingredients and between supplements and other dietary factors
• Hypotheses and Theory papers regarding nutrient synergy
• Perspectives on nutrient synergy
• Influence of the gut microbiome on nutrient absorption and utilization

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Frontiers in Nutrition

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