"Mental and Elemental Nutrients: A Physician’s Guide to Nutrition and Mental Health," Carl S. Pfeiffer, 1975

Part One. Nutritional Background

Mental health is viewed as a direct reflection of the biochemical state of the body. The main emphasis is on individual differences in metabolism, the role of proper nutrition in the formation of neurotransmitters and enzyme systems, as well as the fact that chronic mental disorders are almost always accompanied by hidden nutritional deficiencies and detoxification disorders. The inadequacy of "averaged" norms and the necessity of a personalized biochemical approach are emphasized.

Part Two. The Vitamins

Vitamins are presented as key regulators of brain, nervous system, and mental health functions. Special attention is given to B vitamins (B6, B3, B12, folate) in the context of neurotransmitter synthesis, methylation, and energy metabolism. It is shown that even moderate deficiencies can lead to anxiety, depression, psychosis, cognitive decline, and behavioral disorders, while therapeutic doses of vitamins can restore biochemical balance.

Part Three. Essential Trace Elements — New Vistas

Trace elements are considered fundamental factors in mental health. The imbalances of zinc, copper, manganese, magnesium, and iron are examined in detail, along with their influence on the dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine systems. New concepts at that time, such as pyroluria and copper-dependent mental states, are introduced. It is concluded that correcting mineral balance is often the key to sustainable improvement in mental health, rather than a supplementary measure.

Part Four. Toxic Effects of Heavy Metals

Heavy metals are viewed as powerful neurotoxins capable of disrupting enzyme function, displacing vital trace elements, and distorting brain neurochemistry. The effects of lead, mercury, cadmium, and other metals on cognitive functions, behavior, mood, and the development of mental disorders are described in detail. It is emphasized that toxic load is often masked as "psychiatric diagnoses," and without the removal of metals, any therapy remains ineffective.

Part Five. Clinical Problems

The clinical sections link specific mental and behavioral disorders with certain biochemical types and nutritional deficiencies. Depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, behavioral disorders, learning difficulties, and adaptation issues are discussed. The main conclusion is that successful treatment requires identifying individual deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, methylation disorders, and toxic factors, rather than symptomatically suppressing the manifestations of the disease.

List of Tables

Tables systematize key relationships between nutrients, trace elements, toxins, and mental symptoms. They are used as a practical tool for physicians: helping to correlate clinical manifestations with probable biochemical disorders and choose targeted nutritional correction strategies.