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Pontifex MG, Vauzour D, Muller M. Sexual dimorphism in the context of nutrition and health. Proc Nutr Soc 2024; 83:109-119. [PMID: 37665115 DOI: 10.1017/s0029665123003610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Diets and dietary constituents that we consume have a considerable impact on disease risk. Intriguingly these effects may be modulated to some extent by sex. Lack of female representation in nutritional studies as well as a lack of stratification by sex has and continues to limit our understanding of these sex × diet interactions. Here we provide an overview of the current and available literature describing how exposure to certain dietary patterns (Western-style diet, Mediterranean diet, vegetarian/vegan, ketogenic diet) and dietary constituents (dietary fibre, PUFA and plant bioactive) influences disease risk in a sex-specific manner. Interestingly, these sex differences appear to be highly disease-specific. The identification of such sex differences in response to diet stresses the importance of sex stratification in nutritional research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David Vauzour
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Michael Muller
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
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Shen Y, Wei C, Taishi Y, Zhang G, Su Z, Zhao P, Wang Y, Li M, Ji Y, Sun L. Association between the circulating very long-chain saturated fatty acid and cognitive function in older adults: findings from the NHANES. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1061. [PMID: 38627688 PMCID: PMC11022414 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18478-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Age-related cognitive decline has a significant impact on the health and longevity of older adults. Circulating very long-chain saturated fatty acids (VLSFAs) may actively contribute to the improvement of cognitive function. The objective of this study was to investigate the associations between arachidic acid (20:0), docosanoic acid (22:0), tricosanoic acid (23:0), and lignoceric acid (24:0) with cognitive function in older adults. METHODS This study used a dataset derived from the 2011-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). A total of 806 adults (≥ 60 years) were included who underwent comprehensive cognitive testing and plasma fatty acid measurements. Multivariable linear regression, restricted cubic spline (RCS), and interaction analyses were used to assess associations between VLSFAs and cognitive function. Partial Spearman' s correlation analysis was used to examine the correlations between VLSFAs and palmitic acid (16:0), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides, systemic inflammatory markers, and dietary nutrients. RESULTS Multivariable linear regression analysis, adjusting for sociodemographic, clinical conditions, and lifestyle factors, showed that 22:0 and 24:0 levels were positively associated with better global cognitive function (β = 0.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.01, 0.73; β = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.29, 1.2, respectively) as well as better CEARD-DR Z-score (β = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.36, 1.3 and β = 1.2, 95% CI = 0.63, 1.8, respectively). RCS analysis showed linear associations between higher 22:0 and 24:0 levels and better cognitive performance in both global cognitive function and CERAD-DR tests. CONCLUSIONS The study suggests that higher levels of 22:0 and 24:0 are associated with better global cognitive function in older adults. 22:0 and 24:0 may be important biomarkers for recognizing cognitive impairment, and supplementation with specific VLSFAs (22:0 and 24:0) may be an important intervention to improve cognitive function. Further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying biological mechanisms between VLSFAs and cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanxin Shen
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Xinmin Street 1#, 130021, Changchun, China
- Cognitive Center, Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Chunxiao Wei
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Xinmin Street 1#, 130021, Changchun, China
- Cognitive Center, Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yezi Taishi
- Department of Cadre Ward, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Guimei Zhang
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Xinmin Street 1#, 130021, Changchun, China
- Cognitive Center, Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhan Su
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Xinmin Street 1#, 130021, Changchun, China
- Cognitive Center, Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Panpan Zhao
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Xinmin Street 1#, 130021, Changchun, China
- Cognitive Center, Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yongchun Wang
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Xinmin Street 1#, 130021, Changchun, China
- Cognitive Center, Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Mingxi Li
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Xinmin Street 1#, 130021, Changchun, China
- Cognitive Center, Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yingshi Ji
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Cell Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Xinmin Street 1#, 130021, Changchun, China.
- Cognitive Center, Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
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Welty FK, Daher R, Garelnabi M. Fish and Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Sex and Racial Differences in Cardiovascular Outcomes and Cognitive Function. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2024; 44:89-107. [PMID: 37916414 PMCID: PMC10794037 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.122.318125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Both cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cognitive decline are common features of aging. One in 5 deaths is cardiac for both men and women in the United States, and an estimated 50 million are currently living with dementia worldwide. In this review, we summarize sex and racial differences in the role of fish and its very long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), in preventing CVD events and cognitive decline. In prospective studies, women with higher nonfried and fatty fish intake and women and Black individuals with higher plasma levels of EPA and DHA had a lower risk of CVD. In randomized controlled trials of EPA and DHA supplementation in primary CVD prevention, Black subjects benefited in a secondary outcome. In secondary CVD prevention, both men and women benefited, and Asians benefited as a prespecified subgroup. Fish and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are associated with prevention of cognitive decline in prospective studies. In randomized controlled trials of EPA and DHA supplementation, women have cognitive benefit. DHA seems more beneficial than EPA, and supplementation is more beneficial when started before cognitive decline. Although studies in women and racial groups are limited, life-long intake of nonfried and fatty fish lowers the risk of CVD and cognitive decline, and randomized controlled trials also show the benefit of EPA and DHA supplementation. These findings should be factored into recommendations for future research and clinical recommendations as dietary modalities could be cost-effective for disease prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francine K Welty
- Division of Cardiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston (F.K.W.)
| | - Ralph Daher
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cooper University Healthcare, Camden, NJ (R.D.)
| | - Mahdi Garelnabi
- Department of Biomedical and Nutritional Sciences, U Mass Lowell Center for Population Health, University of Massachusetts (M.G.)
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Koblinsky ND, Carmichael PH, Belleville S, Fiocco AJ, Gaudreau P, Greenwood CE, Kergoat MJ, Morais JA, Presse N, Laurin D, Ferland G. Associations between circulating cardiovascular disease risk factors and cognitive performance in cognitively healthy older adults from the NuAge study. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1274794. [PMID: 38020779 PMCID: PMC10668121 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1274794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cardiovascular disease risk factors (CVRFs) contribute to the development of cognitive impairment and dementia. Methods This study examined the associations between circulating CVRF biomarkers and cognition in 386 cognitively healthy older adults (mean age = 78 ± 4 years, 53% females) selected from the Quebec Longitudinal Study on Nutrition and Successful Aging (NuAge). Memory, executive function, and processing speed were assessed at baseline and 2-year follow-up. CVRF biomarkers included total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides, glucose, insulin, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), homocysteine, protein carbonyls, and cortisol. Linear mixed models were used to determine associations between individual CVRF biomarkers and cognition at both time points. Results HDL-C was most consistently associated with cognition with higher values related to better performance across several domains. Overall, stronger and more consistent relationships between CVRF biomarkers and cognition were observed in females relative to males. Discussion Findings suggest that increases in the majority of circulating CVRFs are not associated with worse cognition in cognitively healthy older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah D. Koblinsky
- Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Health Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Pierre-Hugues Carmichael
- Center d’excellence sur le Vieillissement de Québec, Center de Recherche du Center Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Québec-Université Laval and VITAM-Center de Recherche en Santé Durable, Center Intégré Universitaire de Santé et de Services Sociaux (CIUSSS) de la Capitale Nationale, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Sylvie Belleville
- Center de Recherche de l’Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, CIUSSS du Center-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Alexandra J. Fiocco
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Pierrette Gaudreau
- Center de Recherche du Center Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal and Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Carol E. Greenwood
- Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Health Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - José A. Morais
- Division of Geriatrics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Nancy Presse
- Center de Recherche du Center Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal and Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé de l’Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
- Center de Recherche sur le Vieillissement du CIUSSS de l’Estrie-Center Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke (CHUS), Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Danielle Laurin
- Center d’excellence sur le Vieillissement de Québec, Center de Recherche du Center Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Québec-Université Laval and VITAM-Center de Recherche en Santé Durable, Center Intégré Universitaire de Santé et de Services Sociaux (CIUSSS) de la Capitale Nationale, Québec, QC, Canada
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Institut sur le Vieillissement et la Participation Sociale des Aînés and Institut sur la Nutrition et les Aliments Fonctionnels (INAF), Université Laval, Montreal, ON, Canada
| | - Guylaine Ferland
- Montreal Heart Institute Research Center, and Département de Nutrition, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Carvajal F, Sánchez-Gil A, Cardona D, Rincón-Cervera MA, Lerma-Cabrera JM. The Effect of Very-Long-Chain n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in the Central Nervous System and Their Potential Benefits for Treating Alcohol Use Disorder: Reviewing Pre-Clinical and Clinical Data. Nutrients 2023; 15:2993. [PMID: 37447319 DOI: 10.3390/nu15132993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use poses a significant global health concern, leading to serious physical and socioeconomic issues worldwide. The current treatment options for problematic alcohol consumption are limited, leading to the exploration of alternative approaches, such as nutraceuticals. One promising target is very-long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (VLC n-3 PUFAs). This review aims to compile the most relevant pre-clinical and clinical evidence on the effect of VLC n-3 PUFAs on alcohol use disorders and related outcomes. The findings suggest that VLC n-3 PUFAs may alleviate the physiological changes induced by alcohol consumption, including neuroinflammation and neurotransmitter dysregulation. Additionally, they can reduce withdrawal symptoms, improve mood, and reduce stress level, all of which are closely associated with problematic alcohol consumption. However, more research is required to fully understand the precise mechanisms by which VLC n-3 PUFAs exert their function. Furthermore, PUFAs should not be considered a standalone solution, but as a complement to other therapeutic approaches. Although preliminary evidence supports the potential therapeutic effect of VLC n-3 PUFAs on problematic alcohol consumption, additional research is needed to validate these findings and determine the optimal use of PUFAs as part of a comprehensive approach to the treatment of alcohol use disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisca Carvajal
- Department of Psychology, University of Almeria, 04120 Almeria, Spain
- Health Research Center, University of Almeria, 04120 Almeria, Spain
| | - Ainhoa Sánchez-Gil
- Department of Psychology, University of Almeria, 04120 Almeria, Spain
- Health Research Center, University of Almeria, 04120 Almeria, Spain
| | - Diana Cardona
- Health Research Center, University of Almeria, 04120 Almeria, Spain
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, University of Almeria, 04120 Almeria, Spain
| | - Miguel Angel Rincón-Cervera
- Food Technology Division, ceiA3, CIAMBITAL, University of Almeria, 04120 Almeria, Spain
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, University of Chile, Santiago 830490, Chile
| | - Jose Manuel Lerma-Cabrera
- Department of Psychology, University of Almeria, 04120 Almeria, Spain
- Health Research Center, University of Almeria, 04120 Almeria, Spain
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Otoki Y, Yu D, Shen Q, Sahlas DJ, Ramirez J, Gao F, Masellis M, Swartz RH, Chan PC, Pettersen JA, Kato S, Nakagawa K, Black SE, Swardfager W, Taha AY. Quantitative Lipidomic Analysis of Serum Phospholipids Reveals Dissociable Markers of Alzheimer's Disease and Subcortical Cerebrovascular Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 93:665-682. [PMID: 37092220 DOI: 10.3233/jad-220795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circulating phospholipid species have been shown to predict Alzheimer's disease (AD) prognosis but the link between phospholipid disturbances and subcortical small vessel cerebrovascular disease (CeVD) common in AD patients is not known. OBJECTIVE This study used quantitative lipidomics to measure serum diacyl, alkenyl (ether), alkyl, and lyso phospholipid species in individuals with extensive CeVD (n = 29), AD with minimal CeVD (n = 16), and AD with extensive CeVD (n = 14), and compared them to age-matched controls (n = 27). Memory was assessed using the California Verbal Learning Test. 3.0T MRI was used to assess hippocampal volume, atrophy, and white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volumes as manifestations of CeVD. RESULTS AD was associated with significantly higher concentrations of choline plasmalogen 18:0_18:1 and alkyl-phosphocholine 18:1. CeVD was associated with significantly lower lysophospholipids containing 16:0. Phospholipids containing arachidonic acid (AA) were associated with poorer memory in controls, whereas docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-containing phospholipids were associated with better memory in individuals with AD+CeVD. In controls, DHA-containing phospholipids were associated with more atrophy and phospholipids containing linoleic acid and AA were associated with less atrophy. Lysophospholipids containing 16:0, 18:0, and 18:1 were correlated with less atrophy in controls, and of these, alkyl-phosphocholine 18:1 was correlated with smaller WMH volumes. Conversely, 16:0_18:1 choline plasmalogen was correlated with greater WMH volumes in controls. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates discernable differences in circulating phospholipids in individuals with AD and CeVD, as well as new associations between phospholipid species with memory and brain structure that were specific to contexts of commonly comorbid vascular and neurodegenerative pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yurika Otoki
- Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- Laboratory of Food Function Analysis, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Di Yu
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
- LC Campbell Cognitive Neurology Unit, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | - Qing Shen
- Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Demetrios J Sahlas
- Department of Medicine (Neurology Division), McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Joel Ramirez
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | - Fuqiang Gao
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | - Mario Masellis
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Medicine (Neurology Division) and the Northern Medical Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Richard H Swartz
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Pak Cheung Chan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Molecular Diagnostics, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jacqueline A Pettersen
- Department of Medicine (Neurology Division) and the Northern Medical Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Shunji Kato
- Laboratory of Food Function Analysis, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Kiyotaka Nakagawa
- Laboratory of Food Function Analysis, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Sandra E Black
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
- Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
- LC Campbell Cognitive Neurology Unit, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Medicine (Neurology Division), University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Walter Swardfager
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
- LC Campbell Cognitive Neurology Unit, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
- University Health Network Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ameer Y Taha
- Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- West Coast Metabolomics Center, Genome Center, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim is to provide an update on omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) in preventing cognitive decline and dementia. RECENT FINDINGS Prospective studies and three new meta-analyses suggest that fish or n-3 PUFA intake are associated with a reduction in development of mild cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. Supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in those with mild cognitive impairment showed benefit on cognitive decline, whereas there was no benefit in Alzheimer's disease. In cognitively healthy individuals with clinical coronary artery disease (CAD), 3.36 g EPA and DHA daily slowed cognitive ageing by 2.5 years. Of 15 RCTs in cognitively healthy individuals age more than 55 years, seven reported benefit, whereas eight did not. Potential mechanisms for differences in outcomes include dose, trial duration, apolipoproteinE genotype, sex, stage and rate of cognitive decline, cognitive testing employed and individual characteristics. The downstream product of DHA, neuroprotectin D1, may be involved in beneficial effects. SUMMARY Patients with early memory complaints or a family history of dementia and those with CAD should be counselled on the potential benefits of fish intake and supplementation with n-3 PUFA. ApolipoproteinE4 carriers may especially benefit from DHA supplementation prior to development of cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francine K Welty
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Lamarre J, Cheema SK, Robertson GJ, Wilson DR. Foraging on anthropogenic food predicts problem-solving skills in a seabird. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 850:157732. [PMID: 35931163 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Species and populations with greater cognitive performance are more successful at adapting to changing habitats. Accordingly, urban species and populations often outperform their rural counterparts on problem-solving tests. Paradoxically, urban foraging also might be detrimental to the development and integrity of animals' brains because anthropogenic foods often lack essential nutrients such as the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are important for cognitive performance in mammals and possibly birds. We tested whether urbanization or consumption of EPA and DHA are associated with problem-solving abilities in ring-billed gulls, a seabird that historically exploited marine environments rich in omega-3 fatty acids but now also thrives in urban centres. Using incubating adults nesting across a range of rural to urban colonies with equal access to the ocean, we tested whether urban gulls preferentially consumed anthropogenic food while rural nesters relied on marine organisms. As we expected individual variation in foraging habits within nesting location, we characterized each captured gulls' diet using stable isotope and fatty acid analyses of their red blood cells. To test their problem-solving abilities, we presented the sampled birds with a horizontal rendition of the string-pull test, a foraging puzzle often used in animal cognitive studies. The isotopic and fatty acid profiles of urban nesters indicated a diet comprising primarily anthropogenic food, whereas the profiles of rural nesters indicated a high reliance on marine organisms. Despite the gulls' degree of access to urban foraging habitat not predicting solving success, birds with biochemical profiles reflecting anthropogenic food (less DHA and a higher carbon-13 ratio in their red blood cells) had a greater probability of solving the string-pull test. These results suggest that experience foraging on anthropogenic food is the main explanatory factor leading to successful problem-solving, while regular consumption of omega-3s during incubation appears inconsequential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessika Lamarre
- Cognitive and Behavioural Ecology Program, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John's, Canada.
| | - Sukhinder Kaur Cheema
- Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John's, Canada
| | - Gregory J Robertson
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Mount Pearl, Canada
| | - David R Wilson
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John's, Canada
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