We propose that the diet-derived compound ergothioneine (ET) is an important nutrient in the human body, especially for maintenance of normal brain function, and that low body ET levels predispose humans to significantly increased risks of neurodegenerative (cognitive impairment, dementia, Parkinson's disease) and possibly other age-related diseases (including frailty, cardiovascular disease, and eye disease). Hence, restoring ET levels in the body could assist in mitigating these risks, which are rapidly increasing due to ageing populations globally. Prevention of neurodegeneration is especially important, since by the time dementia is usually diagnosed damage to the brain is extensive and likely irreversible. ET and vitamin E from the diet may act in parallel or even synergistically to protect different parts of the brain; both may be “neuroprotective vitamins”. The present article reviews the substantial scientific basis supporting these proposals about the role of ET.

中文翻译：

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与年龄相关的神经退行性疾病是否是由于缺乏饮食中的化合物麦角硫因引起的？

我们认为，源自饮食的化合物麦角硫因 (ET) 是人体的重要营养素，特别是对于维持正常的大脑功能，体内 ET 水平低会使人类患神经退行性疾病（认知障碍、痴呆、帕金森病）的风险显着增加。疾病）以及其他可能与年龄相关的疾病（包括虚弱、心血管疾病和眼部疾病）。因此，恢复体内的 ET 水平有助于减轻这些风险，这些风险由于全球人口老龄化而迅速增加。预防神经退行性疾病尤其重要，因为当痴呆症被诊断出来时，大脑的损伤已经很广泛并且可能是不可逆转的。饮食中的 ET 和维生素 E 可能会并行甚至协同作用，以保护大脑的不同部分；两者都可能是“神经保护维生素”。本文回顾了支持这些关于外星人作用的提议的实质性科学依据。