Nutrition is increasingly being considered as a modifiable factor that may influence neurodevelopmental outcomes. While severe deficiencies in certain nutrients are known to have dramatic effects, there is growing interest in the potential impact of more subtle insufficiencies — particularly during critical windows such as pregnancy, infancy, and early childhood.

In conditions like ADHD, dyslexia, and autism spectrum condition (ASC), questions have been raised around whether specific nutrients may play a role in cognitive performance, attention, or learning.

• Could low choline intake be a contributing factor to altered brain function?
• Are individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions more likely to have different nutrient needs or metabolic profiles?
• And how might practical dietary strategies fit into a broader management approach?

In this episode, Dr. Emma Derbyshire discusses the evidence on choline and other brain-related nutrients in the context of neurodiversity.

• [02:02] Guest background
• [05:38] Choline: what it is and why it matters
• [07:26] Research challenges: measuring choline and study design issues
• [10:49] Maternal intake: choline’s role in fetal brain development
• [14:24] Choline & neurodevelopmental disorders (ADHD, ASC, dyslexia)
• [17:14] The choline gap: intake vs. requirements
• [23:05] Supplementation: adequacy vs. excess and safety concerns
• [25:05] Food sources: choline in the diet & intake planning
• [30:14] Nutrition as a tool in ADHD and dyslexia management
• [38:45] Other key nutrients (omega-3s, iron, iodine, magnesium, water)

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• Dr. Derbyshire’s website: https://www.nutritional-insight.co.uk/

This is a segment from one of our Premium-exclusive AMA (ask me anything) episodes, where we answer questions submitted by Premium subscribers.

To listen to the full episode, you’ll need to be a Premium subscriber and access the episode on the private Premium feed.

• [02:00] Why does the Mediterranean diet emphasize monounsaturated fats over polyunsaturated fats when the latter seem more beneficial for heart health?
• [08:48] What dietary patterns or foods best support strength and recovery in premenopausal women, especially on a plant-based diet?
• [20:33] Are there specific foods or supplements that help regenerate or protect connective tissue in conditions like EDS?
• [28:39] What does the current evidence say about the keto diet during cancer treatment, and are there specific cancers where it might be beneficial?
• [43:31] What are the biochemical processes behind fat loss, including fat mobilization, transport, and any potential short-term cardiovascular risks?
• [59:48] What is the most effective system for organizing, structuring, and retrieving accumulated knowledge over time?
• [1:10:37] Do you agree with Dr. Tom Dayspring that a significant percentage of people are hyper-absorbers of dietary cholesterol, making food cholesterol impactful for them?
• [1:14:35] Is consuming 2g of protein per pound of body weight safe if calorie intake is high and well-balanced?

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The intersection of nutrition, dermatology, and skin health is an area of growing interest, yet one that remains riddled with misinformation and oversimplified claims.

The influence of dietary patterns, specific nutrients, and lifestyle factors on conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and skin aging has been widely debated, with varying levels of evidence supporting different interventions.

While some nutritional strategies may play a role in optimizing skin health, the challenge lies in distinguishing practical, evidence-based approaches from overstated or anecdotal claims.

A significant issue in this space is the naturalistic fallacy—the belief that diet alone can replace medical treatments, or that conventional dermatological interventions should be avoided in favor of “natural” approaches. This has led to widespread vilification of certain foods, such as dairy, gluten, and sugar, despite a lack of strong supporting data.

Similarly, supplements and probiotics are often promoted with broad claims, while their actual efficacy is highly context-dependent—varying based on individual nutrient status, disease severity, and baseline dietary intake.

In this episode, Dr. Thivi Maruthappu, a consultant dermatologist and researcher in nutritional dermatology, joins Danny Lennon to explore the current state of evidence in this field.

Dr Thivi Maruthappu MA PhD FRCP ANutr is a consultant dermatologist, nutritionist and leading researcher. As the UK’s first and only dual-qualified dermatologist and nutritionist, her pioneering expertise bridges the gap between diet and skin health. Dr Thivi continues to work in the NHS and has her own practice based at London’s renowned Cleveland Clinic.

Dr Thivi studied Medicine at Oxford University and completed Dermatology training in London. She undertook a PhD to understand the links between our skin and internal health and this research featured in top tier scientific journals. She is one of a handful of dermatologists to have completed training in severe eczema and psoriasis during a fellowship at St John’s Institute of Dermatology, London and achieved a Certificate in Nutrition Science from Stanford Medical School, USA.

• [02:52] Start of interview
• [03:37] Dr. Maruthappu’s background and expertise
• [05:57] Sunscreen and skin health: myths and facts
• [12:15] Effective skincare ingredients
• [16:07] The role of nutrition in skin health
• [20:25] Dairy and skin conditions
• [24:10] Collagen supplements: do they work?
• [27:45] Probiotics for skin health
• [31:35] Research outcomes and challenges
• [35:20] Practical applications in clinical practice
• [43:05] Key ideas segment (premium-only)

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• Dr. Maruthappu’s website