There has been a recent growth in research investigating the efficacy and safety of a broad spectrum of micronutrients as treatment for mental health symptoms. In this talk, Prof Rucklidge will discuss the recent paradigm shift of using broad spectrum micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) to treat challenges from emotional dysregulation to perinatal depression to stress, reviewing when supplementation might be necessary despite a good diet, the hypothesized mechanisms of action and the current clinical evidence. She will address side effects and safety as well as the challenges with the current regulatory environment and what needs to change going forward.

Bio:

Professor Julia Rucklidge, a clinical psychologist, is the Director of Te Puna Toiora, the Mental Health and Nutrition Research Lab at the University of Canterbury. Originally from Toronto, Canada, she is internationally renowned for her research and clinical trials on nutrients and mental illnesses, from ADHD to irritability in teens, to antenatal depression. Professor Rucklidge has become well-known for her ability to succinctly communicate the latest research relating to nutrition and mental health. She has over 160 peer reviewed publications with over 10,000 citations and has conducted hundreds of global public talks and over 50 invited keynotes. She is currently on the Executive Committee for the International Society of Nutritional Psychiatry Research. Notable achievements include co-authoring "The Better Brain," a TEDx talk with over 5 million views, a free online course through EdX on Mental Health and Nutrition taken by over 90,000 students, and receiving awards like University of Canterbury Innovation Medal 2024, the Ballin Award from the NZ Psychological Society for her contributions to clinical psychology, Fellow of Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine, a Braveheart Award for making Christchurch a better place to live, and being named three times as one of New Zealand's top 100 influential women. Julia is passionate about advocating that a good nutritional foundation is essential for helping people prevent and recover from mental health challenges.