Fruits, vegetables, 100% juices, and cognitive function

Potential of dietary polyphenols for protection from age-related decline and neurodegeneration: a role for gut microbiota?

Many epidemiological studies have shown the beneficial effects of a largely plant-based diet, and the strong association between the consumption of a Mediterranean-type diet with healthy aging including a lower risk of cognitive decline. The Mediterranean diet is characterized by a high intake of olive oil, fruits and vegetables and is rich in dietary fiber and polyphenols - both of which have been postulated to act as important mediators of these benefits. Polyphenols are large molecules produced by plants to protect them from environmental threats and injury. When ingested by humans, as little as 5% of these molecules are absorbed in the small intestine with the majority metabolized by the gut microbiota into absorbable simple phenolic compounds. Flavan-3-ols, a type of flavonoid, contained in grapes, berries, pome fruits, tea, and cocoa have been associated with many beneficial effects on several risk factors for cardiovascular disease, cognitive function and brain regions involved in memory formation. Both preclinical and clinical studies suggest that these brain and heart benefits can be attributed to endothelial vascular effects and anti-inflammatory properties among others. More recently the gut microbiota has emerged as a potential modulator of the aging brain and intriguingly polyphenols have been shown to alter microbiota composition and be metabolized by different microbial species. However, there is a need for well controlled studies in large populations to identify predictors of response, particularly given the vast inter-individual variation of human gut microbiota.

Association of the serum levels of saturated fatty acids and mild cognitive impairment: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the association of serum saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and prevalent mild cognitive impairment (MCI) among middle-aged and elderly Chinese.

METHODS

A total of 607 Chinese adults aged at least 45 years were included in the baseline survey of The Lifestyle and Healthy Aging of Chinese Square Dancer Study. Serum concentrations of individual SFAs including 6 even-chain SFAs (C14:0, C16:0, C18:0, C20:0, C22:0, and C24:0) and 4 odd-chain SFAs (C15:0, C17:0, C21:0, and C23:0), were quantified by Gas chromatography system with a mass spectrometer. According to Petersen's criteria, prevalent MCI was diagnosed by neurologists through uniformed neuropsychological tests, including trail-making test-part B (TMT-B), auditory verbal learning test (AVLT), digit symbol substitution test (DSST), and verbal fluency test (VFT).

RESULTS

The median age was 62 years with an interquartile range of 57.0 to 67.0 years, and 86 (14.17%) participants were living with MCI. Higher levels of either even-chain or odd-chain individual SFAs were associated with the higher odds of MCI, and their odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were 2.054 (1.012 to 4.171) for C14:0, 2.246 (1.061 to 4.755) for C16:0, 2.789 (1.321 to 5.886) for C18:0, and 2.329 (1.136 to 4.778) for C15:0, and 2.761 (1.310 to 5.820) for C17:0, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The serum concentration of SFAs was positively related to the odds of MCI in middle-aged and elderly adults. Determining the link between SFAs profiles and MCI may inform a better understanding of the potential role of saturated fat intake on cognitive function.

Association between the geriatric nutritional risk index and cognitive functions in older adults: a cross-sectional study from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Objective

To investigate the associations between the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) with cognitive functions among U.S. older adults. (Patients were classified into two nutrition risk groups based on the GNRI).

Methods

Our analysis utilized data from the cross-sectional National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2011 and 2014. Cognitive function was measured using CERAD test, AFT and DSST. Composite z-scores were obtained by summing test-specific z-scores of the above three cognitive tests and were used to assess the global cognitive function. We employed weighted logistic regression models to evaluate the associations between GNRI and nutritional status (low and high GNRI) with cognitive function among older participants. The non-linear relationship was described using fitted smoothed curves and threshold effect analyses. Subgroup analysis and interaction tests were also conducted.

Results

This study included 2,592 older participants aged 60 years and older. After adjusting for confounding variables, the GNRI was positively associated with AFT (β = 0.05, 95% CI 0.005-0.096, p-value = 0.0285), DSST (β = 0.192, 95% CI 0.078-0.305, p-value = 0.0010) and the composite z-scores (β = 0.027, 95% CI 0.010-0.044, p-value = 0.0024). The results also showed that the high-GNRI group was significantly associated with AFT (β = 0.922, 95% CI 0.166-1.677, p-value = 0.0169), DSST (β = 2.791, 95% CI 0.884-4.698, p-value = 0.0042) and composite z-scores (β = 0.405, 95% CI 0.115-0.695, p-value = 0.0062) likewise had significant positive correlations, using the low-GNRI group as a reference. In addition, inflection points with CERAD and composite z-scores were found at GNRI of 108.016, and 105.371, respectively. Specifically, on the left side of the inflection point GNRI levels were positively correlated with CERAD and composite z-scores (CERAD β = 0.087, 95% CI 0.024-0.150, p-value = 0.0070; composite z-scores β = 0.065, 95% CI 0.040-0.091, p-value <0.0001), while on the right side of the inflection point were significantly negatively associated (CERAD β = -0.295, 95% CI -0.529 to -0.062, p-value = 0.0133, composite z-scores β = -0.050, 95% CI -0.091 to -0.008, p-value = 0.0184).

Conclusion

Lower GNRI was associated with poorer performance in several cognitive domains. Additionally, there was a non-linear positive association between GNRI and cognitive function in normal nutritional states, for excessive GNRI may cause cognitive decline.

(Poly)phenols and brain health - beyond their antioxidant capacity

(Poly)phenols are a group of naturally occurring phytochemicals present in high amounts in plant food and beverages with various structures and activities. The impact of (poly)phenols on brain function has gained significant attention due to the growing interest in the potential benefits of these dietary bioactive molecules for cognitive health and neuroprotection. This review will therefore summarise the current knowledge related to the impact of (poly)phenols on brain health presenting evidence from both epidemiological and clinical studies. Cellular and molecular mechanisms in relation to the observed effects will also be described, including their impact on the gut microbiota through the modulation of the gut-brain axis. Although (poly)phenols have the potential to modulate the gut-brain axis regulation and influence cognitive function and decline through their interactions with gut microbiota, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, further research, including randomised controlled trials and mechanistic studies, is needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms and establish causal relationships between (poly)phenol intake and brain health.

Effects of Anthocyanins on Cognition and Vascular Function: A Systematic Review

SCOPE

Good vascular function is crucial for cerebral blood flow and cognitive performance. Diets high in anthocyanins have been shown to improve vascular function and are associated with improvements in cognition. This systematic review investigates randomized controlled trials examining the impact of anthocyanin intake on both cognition and vascular function.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Of the 1486 studies identified through searching Ovid Medline and AMED, PsychInfo, Web of Science, and Scopus, 20 studies are selected which measured cognitive and vascular function. Overall, positive effects on verbal and working memory are observed, which are supported by studies using functional magnetic resonance imaging to demonstrate increased blood flow in brain regions related to these cognitive domains. However, effects of anthocyanins on blood pressure and markers of endothelial function are inconsistent.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review provides evidence for a positive effect of anthocyanins on cognition and insight into the relevance of endothelial function. Anthocyanins are widely available and can be easily consumed in a range of different fruits, vegetables, and other products. Further studies should establish the optimal daily intake of anthocyanins for cardiovascular and cognitive health.

Therapeutic potential of berries in age-related neurological disorders

Aging significantly impacts several age-related neurological problems, such as stroke, brain tumors, oxidative stress, neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and dementia), neuroinflammation, and neurotoxicity. Current treatments for these conditions often come with side effects like hallucinations, dyskinesia, nausea, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal distress. Given the widespread availability and cultural acceptance of natural remedies, research is exploring the potential effectiveness of plants in common medicines. The ancient medical system used many botanical drugs and medicinal plants to treat a wide range of diseases, including age-related neurological problems. According to current clinical investigations, berries improve motor and cognitive functions and protect against age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, berries may influence signaling pathways critical to neurotransmission, cell survival, inflammation regulation, and neuroplasticity. The abundance of phytochemicals in berries is believed to contribute to these potentially neuroprotective effects. This review aimed to explore the potential benefits of berries as a source of natural neuroprotective agents for age-related neurological disorders.

Association between Flavonoid Intake and Cognitive Executive Function among African American and White Adults in the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span (HANDLS) Study

Healthy dietary patterns rich in flavonoids may benefit cognitive performance over time. Among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups, the association between flavonoid intake and measures of cognition is unclear. This study sought to identify associations between flavonoid intake and cognitive performance among Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span (HANDLS) study participants (n = 1947) across three study visits. Flavonoid intakes were assessed via two 24-h dietary recalls. Cognitive performance was assessed via the Trail Making Test (TMT)-A and TMT-B, which provide measures of attention and executive function, respectively. Mixed effects linear regression was used to model TMT scores over three study visits against visit 1 (v1) flavonoid intake, time (years from v1), and the interaction between v1 flavonoid intake and time, capturing both the cross-sectional association between flavonoid intake and time at v1 as well as the longitudinal association between v1 flavonoid intake and the change in TMT scores over time. Prior to adjustment, inverse cross-sectional associations at v1 were observed between (1) anthocyanidin intake and TMT-A scores for the overall sample and (2) total flavonoid, anthocyanidin, flavan-3-ol, flavone, and flavonol intake and TMT-B scores for the overall sample and among White adults. Only the association between anthocyanidin intake and TMT-B at v1 among White adults persisted after adjustment (for demographic characteristics such as age). One possible explanation for the few significant associations is universally low flavonoid intakes resulting from the consumption of an unhealthy dietary pattern.

A View on the Chemical and Biological Attributes of Five Edible Fruits after Finishing Their Shelf Life: Studies on Caco-2 Cells

We studied five common perishable fruits in terms of their polyphenols dynamic, minerals distribution, scavenger activity and the effects of 50% ethanolic extracts on the viability of Caco-2 cells in vitro, over a period of time between T = 0 and T = 5/7 days, typically the end of their shelf life. Altogether, there were few changes found, consisting of either an increase or a decrease in their chemical and biological attributes. A slow decrease was found in the antioxidant activity in apricot (-11%), plum (-6%) and strawberry (-4%) extracts, while cherry and green seedless table grape extracts gained 7% and 2% antioxidant potency, respectively; IC50 values ranged from 1.67 to 5.93 μg GAE/μL test extract. The cytotoxicity MTS assay at 24 h revealed the ability of all 50% ethanol fruit extracts to inhibit the Caco-2 cell viability; the inhibitory effects ranged from 49% to 83% and were measured at 28 µg GAE for strawberry extracts/EES, from 22 µg to 45 µg GAE for cherry extracts/EEC, from 7.58 to 15.16 µg GAE for apricot extracts/EEA, from 12.50 to 25.70 µg GAE for plum extracts/EEP and from 21.51 to 28.68 µg GAE for green table grape extracts/EEG. The MTS anti-proliferative assay (72 h) also revealed a stimulatory potency upon the Caco-2 viability, from 34% (EEA, EEG) and 48% (EEC) to 350% (EES) and 690% (EEP); therefore fruit juices can influence intestinal tumorigenesis in humans.

Interventions based on sensory-hedonic strategies and on nudging to facilitate vegetable and pulses consumption in the school environment

Childhood and adolescence shape lifelong taste preferences and dietary habits, making them crucial periods for promoting healthy and sustainable eating. As students consume up to half of their daily energy intake at school, school interventions can have a significant impact on promoting plant-based diets. Although the benefits of promoting plant-based diets on children's and adolescents' health and environmental sustainability are well established and various studies report promising effects of interventions based on sensory-hedonic strategies and on nudging in promoting vegetables and pulses in schools, a comprehensive collection of those reports is lacking. Therefore, this systematic review aims to collect published literature on the above interventions in schools that focus on promoting the consumption of vegetables and pulses to children and adolescents. Three databases-PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science-were searched over all years until March 2022 using pre-specified terms. From the 10.488 studies identified, a total of 57 studies reporting sensory-hedonic (e.g., manipulating food sensory properties or their hedonic value) or nudging (e.g., changing the presentation) interventions targeting children and/or adolescents in schools and aiming at promoting vegetables and/or pulses were included. Overall, interventions based on sensory-hedonic strategies (either enhancing the perception of well-accepted flavor and texture or manipulating their hedonic value) and on nudging (through incentives and prompts) are effective in promoting vegetables and pulses. A gap in the literature was identified for interventions targeting adolescents and promoting pulses. Finally, multicomponent interventions, rather than using one strategy alone, could be more successful.

Nutrition is associated with differences in multisensory integration in healthy older adults

Diet can influence cognitive functioning in older adults and is a modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline. However, it is unknown if an association exists between diet and lower-level processes in the brain underpinning cognition, such as multisensory integration. We investigated whether temporal multisensory integration is associated with daily intake of fruit and vegetables (FV) or products high in fat/sugar/salt (FSS) in a large sample (N = 2,693) of older adults (mean age = 64.06 years, SD = 7.60; 56% female) from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA). Older adults completed a Food Frequency Questionnaire from which the total number of daily servings of FV and FSS items respectively was calculated. Older adults' susceptibility to the Sound Induced Flash Illusion (SIFI) measured the temporal precision of audio-visual integration, which included three audio-visual Stimulus Onset Asynchronies (SOAs): 70, 150 and 230 ms. Older adults who self-reported a higher daily consumption of FV were less susceptible to the SIFI at the longest versus shortest SOAs (i.e. increased temporal precision) compared to those reporting the lowest daily consumption (p = .013). In contrast, older adults reporting a higher daily consumption of FSS items were more susceptible to the SIFI at the longer versus shortest SOAs (i.e. reduced temporal precision) compared to those reporting the lowest daily consumption (p < .001). The temporal precision of multisensory integration is differentially associated with levels of daily consumption of FV versus products high in FSS, consistent with broader evidence that habitual diet is associated with brain health.

[Factors associated with academic performance in adolescents from La Rioja (Spain): lifestyle habits, health indicators, and sociodemographic factors]

Introduction

Introduction: academic performance is influenced by numerous factors, some personal and others contextual in nature, which also have a close relationship with the health of students. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the relationship and influence of lifestyle habits, various physical and psychosocial health indicators, and sociodemographic variables on academic performance. Method: the study was carried out on a sample of 761 students (14.51 ± 1.63 years old) from 25 educational centers in a region of northern Spain. Academic performance was assessed, as well as health-related quality of life, self-esteem, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, hours of nocturnal sleep, level of physical activity, environment for the practice of physical activity, participation in extra-curricular sports activities, maximum oxygen consumption, body mass index, and various sociodemographic factors. Results: being male, having immigrant origins, as well as having a low/medium socioeconomic level, a cardiorespiratory capacity in the risk zone, lower adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and lower health-related quality of life indices were associated with lower academic performance, explaining up to 14 % of its variance according to the regression analysis. Likewise, adolescents with higher self-esteem, lower body mass index, females, those who lived in a favorable environment for physical activity practice, engaged in extra-curricular physical activity, and had a higher number of hours of nocturnal sleep showed higher levels of academic performance. Conclusions: interventions aimed at combating academic failure should take into account the aforementioned associated factors, with special emphasis on the most vulnerable groups such as males, those with lower socioeconomic status, and those who follow unhealthy lifestyle habits.

Associations of sugar-sweetened, artificially sweetened, and naturally sweet juices with Alzheimer's disease: a prospective cohort study

Epidemiological studies of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and artificially sweetened beverages (ASBs) with Alzheimer's disease (AD) have provided controversial findings. Furthermore, little is known about the association between pure fruit/vegetable juices and AD. The present study aims to estimate the associations of SSBs, ASBs, and pure fruit/vegetable juices with AD, and to evaluate the theoretical effects of replacing SSBs and ASBs with the different consumption of pure fruit/vegetable juices on the risk of AD. This prospective cohort study of the UK Biobank included 206,606 participants aged 39-72 years free of dementia at baseline between 2006 and 2010. Dietary intake of SSBs, ASBs, and pure fruit/vegetable juices (naturally sweet juices) were collected using a 24-h dietary recall questionnaire completed between 2009 and 2012. Incident AD was identified by medical and mortality records. Cox proportional hazard models and substitution models were conducted to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A total of 699 cases of AD were identified over a median follow-up of 9.5 years. The consumption of SSBs and ASBs (> 2 units/d) were associated with a higher risk of AD. However, participants who drank > 1-2 units/d of pure fruit/vegetable juices were associated with a lower risk of AD. In substitution models, replacing SSBs with an equivalent consumption of pure fruit/vegetable juices could be associated with a risk reduction of AD.

The Role of Dietary Ingredients in Mental Energy - A Scoping Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Low mental energy can contribute to decreased productivity, altered life balance, decreased physical performance, and ultimately affect quality of life. As such, there is a great demand for food and beverage products that positively impact mental energy. Numerous products claim to alter mental energy making continued review of the scientific evidence critical. The objective of this study was to conduct a scoping review of randomized controlled trials to evaluate the effect of 18 dietary ingredients on mental energy outcomes in adults without severe disease. Methods: A literature search, completed using PubMed, resulted in the identification of 2261 articles, 190 of which met eligibility from initial abstract review. Full-text review was completed on the 190 studies which resulted in 101 articles that fully met eligibility for inclusion in this study. The search strategy for two ingredients did not yield any eligible studies, leaving studies for 16 ingredients that were extracted and summarized by reported significantly improved outcomes for cognition, mood and perceived feelings, and sleep assessments. The preliminary results for several dietary ingredients directionally suggested a mental energy benefit (≥20% of outcomes), including ashwagandha, chamomile, dark chocolate, ginseng, green tea, lavender, lion's mane mushroom, maca, tart cherries, turmeric, and valerian root. The results of this scoping review suggest that of the 16 dietary ingredients reviewed, 11 may be promising for further exploration on their potential benefits in supporting mental energy. Given consumer demand and market growth for food and beverage products that positively impact mental energy; continued efforts in assessment method alignment and additional evaluation in well-designed trials is warranted.KEY TEACHING POINTSOf the 16 dietary ingredients reviewed, 11 (ashwagandha, chamomile, dark chocolate, ginseng, green tea, lavender, lion's mane mushroom, maca, melatonin foods, turmeric, and valerian root) may be promising for further exploration on their potential mental energy benefits.Dark chocolate, ginseng, ashwagandha, and lion's mane mushroom were the most promising ingredients for further evaluation in the cognition domain of the ingredients evaluated.Turmeric, maca, lavendar, and ashwagandha were the most promising ingredients for further evaluation in the mood and perceived feelings domain of the ingredients evaluated.Ashwagandha, chamomile, green tea, melatonin foods, valerian root were the most promising ingredients for further evaluation in the sleep domain of the ingredients evaluated.Additional, well-designed, consistent, clinical trials and systematic reviews are warranted as the challenge of heterogeneity in mental energy study design remains.

The effect of free school fruit on academic performance: a nationwide quasi-experiment

In past research, higher intake of fruit has been associated with better academic achievement. In Norway, the government required lower secondary schools to provide fruit to their pupils from 2007 to 2014. The present study assessed whether this policy improved academic performance. In addition to secondary schools, the policy covered schools with combined elementary and lower secondary education, but not ordinary elementary schools. This differentiation, in combination with administrative data on test scores before, during, and after the law was enforced, created a nationwide quasi-experiment. Population register data on parents' sociodemographic characteristics allowed for targeted analyses on a subsample of boys with low sociodemographic status. In analyses of 5th grade tests, the free fruit policy coincided with a slight decline in test scores among eligible compared to non-eligible pupils in the subsample (B = - 0.18, 95%CI[- 0.35, - 0.01]) and entire population (B = - 0.14, 95%CI[- 0.24, - 0.05]). Exploratory analyses of exam data in 10th grade yielded similar results, and sensitivity tests either failed to detect any effect or demonstrated a negative tendency. In a Western country with low levels of food insecurity, a policy that required schools to provide free fruit to pupils did not appear to improve academic performance.

Genetics of caffeine and brain-related outcomes - a systematic review of observational studies and randomized trials

CONTEXT

Although the stimulant and anxiogenic properties of caffeine are widely accepted, research on its specific effects on the brain remains controversial. Growing evidence shows that interindividual differences in caffeine response may be partly due to variations in genes such as CYP1A2 and ADORA2A, which have been used to identify individuals as "fast" or "slow" caffeine metabolizers and as having a "high" or "low" caffeine sensitivity, respectively.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this review was to identify, evaluate, and discuss current evidence on the associations between common genetic variants, caffeine consumption, and brain-related outcomes in humans.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed and Embase databases were searched for relevant reports based on a predetermined search strategy.

DATA EXTRACTION

Reports of observational and experimental studies on healthy adults who underwent (a) genetic analysis for polymorphisms in genes associated with caffeine metabolism and effects and (b) measurements of brain-related effects such as anxiety, insomnia, and cognitive performance associated with the consumption of caffeine (habitual intake or supplementation) were included.

DATA ANALYSIS

Of the 22 records included, 15 were randomized controlled trials, 6 were cross-sectional studies, and 1 was a genome-wide association study. The main outcomes identified were cognitive performance (n = 9), anxiety (n = 7), and sleep disturbance/insomnia (n = 6). Polymorphisms in the CYP1A2 gene were associated with cognitive function, while variations in the ADORA2A gene were associated with anxiety and sleep disturbance.

CONCLUSION

The present review has provided evidence that variability in the CYP1A2 and the ADORA2A genes may modulate the association between caffeine and brain-related outcomes. Future studies are warranted to investigate the specific polymorphisms implicated in each brain outcome, which cognitive functions are particularly related to caffeine (simple vs complex), whether there are gender differences in anxiety effects, and how habitual caffeine intake may influence the acute effects of caffeine.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO registration no. CRD42021257556.

The relationship between dietary patterns derived from inflammation and cognitive impairment in patients undergoing hemodialysis

Introduction

Dietary patterns were shown to be closely related to inflammation, which was independently associated with cognitive impairment (CI) in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). However, it remains unclear the influence of dietary patterns derived from inflammation on CI in this population. This study aimed to examine the association between dietary patterns derived from C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and CI in patients undergoing HD.

Methods

Dietary intake was obtained from the simplified quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Reduced rank regression (RRR) was used to extract two dietary patterns, with IL-6 and CRP as response variables. Cognitive function was examined by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (Beijing version). Venous blood was drawn for measuring IL-6 and CRP levels. Multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate the association between dietary patterns and CI.

Results

Dietary pattern derived from IL-6 was not significantly associated with CI. The third quartile of dietary pattern, which used CRP as the response variable, significantly contributed to the increased risk of CI (AOR 8.62, 95% CI 1.47-50.67) after controlling age, sex, education level, marital status, and residential pattern (p-for-trend = 0.028). After considering hypertension and diabetes, physical activity level, anxiety and depression, smoking and drinking status, social support, energy intake, and the dietary pattern derived from IL-6 (p-for-trend = 0.026), the relationship between the dietary pattern derived from CRP and CI remained significant (AOR 14.54, 95% CI 1.40-151.13).

Conclusion

Dietary pattern associated with high CRP level, including high intake of rice, liquor, fruit, tea and coffee and low intake of dark vegetables and juice, contributed to the increased risk of CI. The association between the consumption of seafood, sweet beverages, and alcohol and CI is yet to be established. However, they may be dietary contributing factors to inflammation in patients undergoing HD.

Neurodynamics of awareness detection in Tibetan immigrants: evidence from EEG analysis

The psychological effects of long-term exposure to high-altitude environments have attracted great attention. These effects are usually attributed to the diminished cognitive resources due to high-altitude exposure. This study employed electroencephalography (EEG) to investigate the effects of exposure duration on awareness detection tasks. Neither reaction time nor accuracy showed the direct effects of the exposure duration, so did the model indexes obtained from drift diffusion model analysis. However, event-related potentials (ERP) analysis revealed that exposure duration was associated with changes in the visual awareness negativity (VAN) and the late positivity (LP) components, which in turn affected reaction time. Specifically, longer exposure durations were associated with lower VAN and higher LP, resulting in shorter reaction times and greater drift rate. In contrast to previous studies, the reverse relationship between VAN and LP may reflect a compensatory response to the reduced cognitive resources caused by high-altitude exposure. Additionally, increased LP and shorter reaction times with exposure duration may reflect a resistance to the high-altitude environment. We also conducted time-frequency analysis and found that theta power did not vary with exposure duration, suggesting that the reduction in cognitive resources remains stable in these individuals over time. Overall, our study provides new insights into the dynamic effects of high-altitude environments on awareness detection in the presence of reduced cognitive resources.

Increased Intake of Vegetables and Fruits Improves Cognitive Function among Chinese Oldest Old: 10-Year Follow-Up Study

BACKGROUND

In view of the rapidly accelerating aging process in China, this study looked at the associations between vegetables and fruits intake pattens and cognitive function among the oldest old in China using the genetic sub study from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS).

METHODS

This study screened respondents who participated in all four surveys of longitudinal data from the CLHLS, and a total of 2454 participants were ultimately included. The relationships of cognitive function with vegetables and fruits intake patterns were examined using Generalized-estimating equations.

RESULTS

The prevalence range of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) was 14.3% to 16.9% at T1 to T3 and 32.7% at T4. There was a significant increase in the prevalence of MCI from T1 to T4 (β = 0.054; 95% CI, 0.037 to 0.070; p < 0.001; adjusted). The V+/F+ pattern significantly improved cognitive function in Chinese older adults compared with the V-/F- pattern (OR, 1.026; 95% CI, 1.001-1.053; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Older adults who frequently consume both fruits and vegetables experience a reduction in MCI risk relative to those consuming these food groups infrequently-emphasizing the critical importance of the regular intake of both fruits and vegetables in maintaining cognitive function.

MIND diet and cognitive function and its decline: A prospective study and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies

BACKGROUND

Evidence on the association of the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet with cognitive aging is limited and inconsistent.

OBJECTIVE

We examined how the MIND diet is related to cognitive function and its decline among middle-aged and older adults.

METHODS

We included 4066 participants with baseline dietary assessment and at least one cognitive test from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) in 1997, 2000, 2004, and 2006, with a median follow-up of 3 years. The modified MIND diet score (range: 0-12) was calculated based on nine healthy and three unhealthy food groups. Linear mixed-effect models were used to examine the association of adherence to the MIND diet with z-scores of cognitive function and cognitive decline. We also conducted a meta-analysis including our findings and seven other cohort studies.

RESULTS

At baseline, median MIND diet scores for the increasing tertile were 3.0, 4.0, and 5.5, respectively. Participants with higher MIND diet scores had significant better global cognitive function. The adjusted difference in global cognitive function z-score for every three-point increment of MIND diet scores was 0.11 (95% CI, 0.06, 0.16, p-trend<0.001), which was approximately equivalent to being one year younger in age. Consumption of nuts, fish, red meats, and tea showed independent positive associations with cognitive function, and fried food consumption exhibited negative associations. In the meta-analysis of 26,103 participants, one standardized deviation increment of the MIND score was associated with 0.042 (95 % CI 0.020, 0.065) units higher in global cognitive function z-score and 0.014 (95 % CI -0.010, 0.037) units slower in annual cognitive decline.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that higher adherence to the MIND diet was associated with better cognitive function and potentially slower cognitive decline in later life. Further large-scale observational and interventional studies are warranted to elucidate the cognitive effects of the MIND diet.

PROSPERO REGISTRY NUMBER

This meta-analysis was registered at PROSPERO as CRD42022330417.

Effects and impacts of technical processing units on the nutrients and functional components of fruit and vegetable juice

Fruit and vegetable juice (FVJ) has become a favorite beverage for all age groups because of its excellent sensory and nutritional qualities. FVJ has a series of health benefits such as antioxidant, anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-cancer. Except for raw materials selection, processing technology and packaging and storage also play a vital role in the nutrition and functional components of FVJ. This review systematically reviews the important research results on the relationship between FVJ processing and its nutrition and function in the past 10 years. Based on the brief elucidation of the nutrition and health benefits of FVJ and the unit operation involved in the production process, the influence of a series of key technology units, including pretreatment, clarification, homogenization, concentration, sterilization, drying, fermentation and packaging and storage, on the nutritional function of FVJ was systematically expounded. This contribution provides an update on the impacts of technical processing units on the nutrients and functional components of FVJ and new perspectives for future studies.

Different Sources of Sugar Consumption and Cognitive Performance in Older Adults: Data From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2014

OBJECTIVES

Excess sugar consumption, particularly in sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), has been linked to poor cognitive performance. We aimed to assess the association of consumption of total sugar, as well as the consumption of SSBs, solid desserts, and 100% fruit juice with cognitive performance among older adults.

METHODS

Consumption of total sugar, SSBs, solid desserts, and 100% fruit juice were obtained from the 24-hr recall interview. Cognitive performance was evaluated using the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease word list, the Animal Fluency Test, and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test. Binary logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between consumption of sugar (total and from different sources) and cognitive performance.

RESULTS

A total of 1,938 participants aged 60 years or older from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2014 were included. Compared to the lowest tertile, the highest tertile of total sugar consumption was independently associated with higher odds of low memory performance (odds ratio [OR] = 1.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.00; 3.50, p = .049). Consumption of SSBs was associated with higher risk of low memory (OR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.11; 2.25, p = .014), whereas consumption of solid desserts was associated with lower risk of low verbal fluency performance (OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.41; 0.95, p = .032).

DISCUSSION

Higher consumption of total sugars and SSBs was associated with lower memory performance, while consumption of solid desserts was associated with higher verbal fluency performance.

Effects of chronic consumption of specific fruit (berries, cherries and citrus) on cognitive health: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

OBJECTIVES

The cognitive-protective effects related to the consumption of a variety of fruits are supported by several intervention studies. This systematic review and meta-analysis compared the magnitude of effects following chronic (≥1 week) consumption of frozen, freeze-dried powder including extracts and juices of fruits, covering berries, cherries and citrus, on cognition and mood in adults.

METHODS

PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and psycARTICLES were searched from inception until February, 2021. Inclusion criteria were randomised controlled trials assessing memory, executive function, psychomotor speed, mood and mini mental state examination in adult participants ≥18 years of age. Cognition was tested by global or domain specific tasks.

RESULTS

Out of 13,861 articles identified, 16 papers were included; 11 studies provided suitable data for meta-analysis. Fourteen studies reported improvement or trend for improvement in cognition, five studies assessed mood and one study supplementing grape juice found trend for mood improvement. From the meta-analysis, cherry juice supplementation was suggested to improve psychomotor speed by -0.37 of standardised mean difference (95% CI [-0.74, 0.01]) in reaction time (P = 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The meta-analysis did not sufficiently support a role for fruits or fruit forms to improve cognition and mood.

Assessment of the Gut Microbiota during Juice Fasting with and without Inulin Supplementation: A Feasibility Study in Healthy Volunteers

Prebiotic inulin consumption provides health benefits to the host and has also been associated with a reduction in hunger cravings. We conducted a pilot crossover study to investigate the feasibility of a juice fasting intervention with and without inulin supplementation. We also examined trends of how the microbial community in the human gut adapts to juice fasting as well as to inulin intake during juice fasting. Six healthy volunteers were fasting for three consecutive days consuming a total of 300 kcal daily provided by vegetable juices, framed by two days with a total daily calorie intake of 800 kcal, respectively. During one fasting period, participants consumed additionally 24 g of inulin daily. Stool samples were collected for the analysis of the microbial composition using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Although no significant uniform changes were observed on the microbiome, quantitative changes in the microbial composition suggest a stronger decrease in alpha-diversity after fasting compared to the fasting intervention with additional inulin intake. The intake of inulin did not affect compliance for the fasting intervention but appeared to increase relative abundance of Bifidobacteria in participants who tolerated it well. Further studies with a larger sample size to overcome inter-individual microbiota differences are warranted to verify our observations.

Superior Bioavailability of a Novel Lutein and Zeaxanthin Formulation in Healthy Human Subjects

Introduction

Lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) are carotenoids that are found in the macula of the human eye and are known to improve visual functions. However, poor bioavailability of supplemental L and Z poses a challenge to achieving significant benefits after consumption. We developed a novel patented formulation of L and Z (Ocusorb^®) and demonstrated the improved bioavailability in a pharmacokinetic clinical study.

Methods

Ninety adult human volunteers were recruited in this randomized, double-blind, parallel, comparative bioavailability study. Volunteers were randomly assigned to receive single dose of 10 mg lutein and 2 mg zeaxanthin from test (LZO) or reference (LZC) formulations after breakfast. Blood samples were collected pre-dose at − 48, − 24, and 0 h and at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 24, 48, and 72 h post-dose. Serum concentrations of L and Z were quantified by using a validated HPLC method. The LZO and LZC formulations were compared for L and Z on the basis of C_max, AUC_0–72, and AUC_0–t.

Results

All 90 subjects completed the study. The LZO group demonstrated significantly higher levels of L and Z in serum at several time points as compared to LZC group. The LZO group showed significantly higher bioavailability for lutein (2.5 times higher C_max, 2.9 times higher AUC_0–72, and 3.2 times higher AUC_0–t) and zeaxanthin (1.8 times higher C_max, 2.2 times higher AUC_0–72, and AUC_0–t) as compared to the LZC group. No safety issues were reported.

Conclusion

The study results show superior bioavailability of lutein and zeaxanthin from our novel LZO formulation as compared to LZC. The enhanced bioavailability from the LZO formulation can be advantageous for individuals looking to quickly improve their L and Z status and enhance their vision performance.

Trial Registration

http://ctri.nic.in/. Identifier: CTRI/2019/11/022082.

Malnutrition is positively associated with cognitive decline in centenarians and oldest-old adults: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Cognitive decline is a growing public health concern. However, presently, only a few large-scale studies are available on the prevalence of cognitive decline worldwide, and the relationship between nutrition and cognitive decline remains unclear and requires further investigation, especially among Chinese centenarians and oldest-old adults. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of cognitive decline among Chinese centenarians and oldest-old adults, its associated factors, and explore a possible connection with nutrition, to provide new directions for the prevention of cognitive decline in Chinese centenarians and oldest-old adults.

METHODS

Based on the China Hainan Centenarian Cohort Study (CHCCS), a household survey was conducted among all the centenarians and oldest-old adults residing in 16 cities and counties of Hainan province from June 2014 to June 2016. This study included 946 centenarians and oldest-old adults (412 and 534, respectively). Cognitive function was measured using the mini-mental state examination (MMSE).

FINDINGS

The total prevalence of cognitive decline was 76·6% (725 participants). Centenarians had a significantly higher prevalence of cognitive decline compared to oldest-old adults [359 centenarians (87·1%) vs. 366 oldest-old adults (68·5%)]. Centenarians and oldest-old adults with cognitive decline had significantly lower prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and mini nutrition assessment-short form (MNA-SF) than those without cognitive decline (P < 0·05). Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that participants with higher PNI and MNA-SF were less likely to have cognitive decline. Multivariate linear regression analyses showed that PNI and MNA-SF were positively associated with MMSE (P < 0·05).

INTERPRETATION

Malnutrition was positively associated with cognitive decline among Chinese centenarians and oldest-old adults. It is therefore important for clinicians and community health workers to pay attention to malnutrition in these populations and provide supplemental nutrients to prevent cognitive decline.

FUNDING

This work was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81900357, 81903392, 81941021, 81901252, 82001476, 81802804, 81801251), the Military Medical Science and Technology Youth Incubation Program (20QNPY110, 19QNP060), the Excellent Youth Incubation Program of Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital (2020-YQPY-007), the Military Medicine Youth Program of Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital (QNF19069, QNF19068), the National Key R&D Program of China (2018YFC2000400), the National S&D Resource Sharing Service Platform Project of China (YCZYPT[2018]07), the Innovation Platform for Academinicians of Hainan Province, the Hainan Major Scientific and Technological Cooperation Project (2016KJHZ0039), the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation funded project (2019M650359, 2020M682816, 2021T140298), the Medical Big Data R&D Project of Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital (MBD2018030), the National Geriatric Disease Clinical Medicine Research centre Project (NCRCG-PLAGH-2017-014), the Central Health Care Scientific Research Project (W2017BJ12), the Hainan Medical and Health Research Project (16A200057), the Sanya Medical and Health Science and Technology Innovation Project (2016YW21, 2017YW22, 2018YW11), and the Clinical Scientific Research Supporting Fund of Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital (2017FC-CXYY-3009).

Evidence for distinct neuro-metabolic phenotypes in humans

Advances in magnetic resonance imaging have shown how individual differences in the structure and function of the human brain relate to health and cognition. The relationship between individual differences and the levels of neuro-metabolites, however, remains largely unexplored - despite the potential for the discovery of novel behavioural and disease phenotypes. In this study, we measured 14 metabolite levels, normalised as ratios to total-creatine, with ¹H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) acquired from the bilateral anterior cingulate cortices of six healthy participants, repeatedly over a period of four months. ANOVA tests revealed statistically significant differences of 3 metabolites and 3 commonly used combinations (total-choline, glutamate + glutamine and total-N-acetylaspartate) between the participants, with scyllo-inositol (F=85, p=6e-26) and total-choline (F=39, p=1e-17) having the greatest discriminatory power. This was not attributable to structural differences. When predicting individuals from the repeated MRS measurements, a leave-one-out classification accuracy of 88% was achieved using a support vector machine based on scyllo-inositol and total-choline levels. Accuracy increased to 98% with the addition of total-N-acetylaspartate and myo-inositol - demonstrating the efficacy of combining MRS with machine learning and metabolomic methodology. These results provide evidence for the existence of neuro-metabolic phenotypes, which may be non-invasively measured using widely available 3 Tesla MRS. Establishing these phenotypes in a larger cohort and investigating their connection to brain health and function presents an important area for future study.

Incorporation of polyphenols in baked products

Bakery foods, including breads, cakes, cookies, muffins, rolls, buns, crumpets, pancakes, doughnuts, waffles, and bagels, etc., have been an important diet of humans for thousands of years. As the nutraceuticals with various biological activities, polyphenols, especially polyphenol-enriched products are widely used in bakery foods. The polyphenol-enriched products are mainly from fruits and vegetables, including fruits in whole, juice, puree, jam, and the powder of dried fruits, pomace, and peels. Incorporation of these products not only provide polyphenols, but also supply other nutrients, especially dietary fibers for bakery products. This chapter discussed the thermal stability of different types of polyphenols during baking, and the effect of polyphenols on the sensory attributes of baked foods. Moreover, their role in mitigation of reactive carbonyl species and the subsequent formation of advanced glycation end products, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities have been also discussed. Since polyphenols are subjected to high temperature for dozens of minutes during baking, future works need to focus on the chemical interactions of polyphenols and their oxidized products (quinones) with other food components, and the safety consequence of these interactions.

Higher circulating α-carotene was associated with better cognitive function: an evaluation among the MIND trial participants

There is emerging evidence linking fruit and vegetable consumption and cognitive function. However, studies focusing on the nutrients underlying this relationship are lacking. We aim to examine the association between plasma nutrients and cognition in a population at risk for cognitive decline with a suboptimal diet. The Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) trial is a randomized controlled intervention that examines the effects of the MIND diet to prevent cognitive decline. The primary outcome is global cognition. A multivariate linear model was used to investigate the association between blood nutrients and global and/or domain-specific cognition. The model was adjusted for age, sex, education, study site, smoking status, cognitive activities and physical activities. High plasma α-carotene was associated with better global cognition. Participants in the highest tertile of plasma α-carotene had a higher global cognition z score of 0⋅17 when compared with individuals in the lowest tertile (P 0⋅002). Circulating α-carotene levels were also associated with higher semantic memory scores (P for trend 0⋅007). Lutein and zeaxanthin (combined) was positively associated with higher semantic memory scores (P for trend 0⋅009). Our study demonstrated that higher α-carotene levels in blood were associated with higher global cognition scores in a US population at risk for cognitive decline. The higher α-carotene levels in blood reflected greater intakes of fruits, other types of vegetables and lesser intakes of butter and margarine and meat. The higher circulating levels of lutein plus zeaxanthin reflected a dietary pattern with high intakes of fruits, green leafy, other vegetables and cheese, and low consumption of fried foods. Objective nutrient markers in the blood can better characterize dietary intake, which may facilitate the implementation of a tailored dietary intervention for the prevention of cognitive decline.

Of 'junk food' and 'brain food': how parental diet influences offspring neurobiology and behaviour

Unhealthy lifestyles and mental health problems are increasingly prevalent globally. Not only are 'junk food'-induced overweight and obesity risk factors for the development of brain disorders but they are also associated intergenerationally with ill health. Here, we reflect on the current knowledge of how maternal and paternal diet influences offspring brain development and behaviour, potentially predisposing children to mental health problems. Mounting evidence indicates diet-induced maternal and paternal programming of infant metabolism and neurobehavioural function, with potential downstream effects on mental health and resilience. Beyond the central nervous system (CNS), the microbiota-gut-brain axis has emerged as an important mediator of host physiology. We discuss how intergenerational seeding of the gut microbiome via parental lineage can influence offspring gut health and neurobiology.

Dietary strawberry improves cognition in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in older adults

Functional changes in the brain during ageing can alter learning and memory, gait and balance - in some cases leading to early cognitive decline, disability or injurious falls among older adults. Dietary interventions with strawberry (SB) have been associated with improvements in neuronal, psychomotor and cognitive functions in rodent models of ageing. We hypothesised that dietary supplementation with SB would improve mobility and cognition among older adults. In this study, twenty-two men and fifteen women, between the ages of 60 and 75 years, were recruited into a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in which they consumed either freeze-dried SB (24 g/d, equivalent to two cups of fresh SB) or a SB placebo for 90 d. Participants completed a battery of balance, gait and cognitive tests at baseline and again at 45 and 90 d of intervention. Significant supplement group by study visit interactions were observed on tests of learning and memory. Participants in the SB group showed significantly shorter latencies in a virtual spatial navigation task (P = 0·020, ηp2 = 0·106) and increased word recognition in the California Verbal Learning test (P = 0·014, ηp2 = 0·159) across study visits relative to controls. However, no improvement in gait or balance was observed. These findings show that the addition of SB to the diets of healthy, older adults can improve some aspects of cognition, but not gait or balance, although more studies with a larger sample size and longer follow-up are needed to confirm this finding.

Mental Health in New Mothers: A Randomised Controlled Study into the Effects of Dietary Flavonoids on Mood and Perceived Quality of Life

The postnatal period is a significant period of physical, physiological and psychological change for mothers, rendering them particularly vulnerable to changes in mood or disorders such as postnatal depression (PND). Previous interventions with foods high in flavonoids have demonstrated beneficial acute and chronic mood effects in healthy child, adolescent and adult populations. It is unclear whether mood effects persist in populations who are potentially at-risk of developing mood disorders, such as postnatal mothers. This exploratory study investigated the effects of a 2-week daily dietary flavonoid intervention on mood (PANAS-NOW), anxiety (STAI), depressive symptoms (PHQ-8) and perceived quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF) in forty-one new mothers in the 0–12-month postnatal period, before and after flavonoid intervention. Mothers either added high flavonoid foods to their daily diet, or did not include additions following a randomised, between-groups, controlled design. Significant effects were observed in the flavonoid group with mothers reporting lower state anxiety and higher perceived quality of physical health at the 2-week timepoint. These findings suggest that regular dietary consumption of flavonoids may benefit mothers’ anxiety and perceived quality of life in the postnatal period. Replication of these results may indicate the potential for dietary flavonoids to promote healthy mood regulation in mothers or prevent the onset or severity of symptoms in postnatal psychological disorders, both of which would be beneficial for women’s health services and public mental health.

Fruit Juices: Are They Helpful or Harmful? An Evidence Review

Dietary guidelines often deal with 100% fruit juice (FJ) inconsistently because it represents a source of free sugars. However, FJ also provides bioavailable micronutrients and plant bioactives at levels similar to those found in whole fruits. The present review weighs up the evidence from high-quality studies investigating a potential health harm for FJ against evidence from studies which indicate a potential health benefit. The findings reveal that FJ consumption, at moderate intakes consistent with the dietary guidelines for the US and some European countries (75-224 mL daily), does not increase the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease or poor glycaemic control. In contrast, regular consumption of FJ-even up to 500 mL per day in short-to-medium-term studies-appears to confer a health benefit in terms of vascular function and reduced blood pressure. Emerging evidence for cognitive health benefits requires further investigation in human trials. Observational studies report associations between FJ and nutrient adequacy and suggest that FJ consumption is associated with reduced risk of stroke. In conclusion, FJ appears to offer more benefit than risk and there appears to be no justification for discouraging FJ within a balanced diet for children and adults.

Diet-Cognition Associations Differ in Mild Cognitive Impairment Subtypes

Cognitive function is not generally associated with diet, and there is debate over that association. Moreover, little is known about such associations with the specific cognitive domains and subtypes of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We analyzed data of 4309 Chinese adults aged 55 and over from the Community-based Cohort Study on Nervous System Diseases from 2018–2019. Dietary habits were assessed at inclusion using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Cognitive function of the participants was measured by using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Analyses were performed using multiple logistic regression and quantile regression with adjustment for socio-demographic, lifestyle, and health-related factors. Compared with normal cognition participants, those with a worse cognition state were characterized as being an older age and lower economic level. After adjustment for potential factors, participants with higher consumption of rice, legumes, fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, pork, poultry, fish, and nuts tended to have higher scores of global cognitive function and domains, and to have lower odds of MCI, while those with higher consumption levels of wheat and eggs had worse cognition, compared with the corresponding bottom consumption level of each food. Participants with a medium consumption level of beef or mutton had 57% (OR: 1.57, 95%CI: 1.07–2.32) higher odds of aMCI-SD, whereas they had 50% (OR: 0.50, 95%CI: 0.34–0.73) lower odds of naMCI-MD. Similarly, the highest consumption level of dairy was positively associated with the odds of aMCI-SD (OR:1.51, 95%CI:1.00–2.29), but inversely linked to the odds of naMCI-SD (OR: 0.60, 95%CI: 0.38–0.93) and naMCI-MD (OR: 0.49, 95%CI: 0.29–0.82). Most diet global cognitive benefits were observed to be associated with the preexisting higher consumption of rice, legumes, fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, meat, and nuts. In addition, the heterogeneity of associations between the consumption of certain foods and MCI subtypes was observed among Chinese adults aged over 55 years. These cross-sectional observations require validation in prospective studies.

Can Eating Make Us More Creative? A Multisensory Perspective

While it is well known how food can make us physically healthy, it remains unclear how the multisensory experience of eating might influence complex cognitive abilities such as creativity. A growing body of literature has demonstrated that all human senses are capable of sparking creativity. It follows then that eating, as one of the most multisensory of all human behaviors, should be a playground for creative thinking. The present review presents an overview of how creativity is defined and measured and what we currently know about creativity as influenced by the senses, both singular and in conjunction. Based on this foundation, we provide an outlook on potential ways in which what we eat, where we eat, and how we eat might positively support creative thinking, with applications in the workplace and home. We present the view that, by offering a rich multisensory experience, eating nourishes not only our bodies but also our mental well-being.

Aquatic exercise associated or not with grape juice consumption-modulated oxidative parameters in Parkinson disease patients: A randomized intervention study

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with significant motor disabilities and cognitive decline. Importantly, the imbalance of oxidative stress is related to PD physiopathology and progression. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of grape juice consumption associated with an aquatic exercise protocol on oxidative stress parameters and cognitive function in individuals with PD. The participants were randomized into two groups: grape juice group (GJG) and control group (CG) and were submitted to 4 weeks of an aquatic intervention (twice a week, approximately 60 minutes/session). The GJG also consumed 400 ml of grape juice per day (integral and conventional) during this period. Cognitive function was assessed by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCa) questionnaire. For the analysis of oxidative stress markers, specifically lipid oxidative damage (TBARS), proteins (Carbonil), acid uric and the activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase), blood collection were done before and after intervention. No changes were observed in cognitive function after intervention in both groups. Regarding biomarkers, a reduction of antioxidant enzymes, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and uric acid was observed in both groups. However, only the GJG showed a significant reduction on protein oxidation levels after intervention. In conclusion, the consumption of grape juice associated with an aquatic exercise protocol might be consider an effective alternative to reduce the oxidative damage in PD, reinforcing the importance of this intervention in promoting beneficial impact in this population.

Effects of Fruit and Vegetable-Based Nutraceutical on Cognitive Function in a Healthy Population: Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, and Randomized Clinical Trial

There is scientific evidence of the positive effect of polyphenols from plant foods on cognition, but not enough is known about the synergistic effect when multiple polyphenols are consumed and even less in a healthy non-elderly population. The aim of the present study is to investigate the possible effects of improvements in cognitive function in healthy people as a preparation based on micronized fruit and vegetables consumed. One hundred and eight subjects were selected, stratified by sex in the control intervention group (n = 53) and placebo (n = 55). Volunteers completed the study after two 16-week periods of consumption with a 4-week wash period between each phase. At the beginning and the end of each phase, volunteers performed the Stroop, TESEN, and RIST tests for the measurement of different cognitive function patterns. The results revealed statistically significant differences in all the variables of the tests carried out, especially compared with the placebo. Specially, the results obtained in the Stroop and TESEN test, in addition to the processing speed even with semantic interferences, were markedly better after the treatment with the product under study. Moreover, the consumption of the product under study clearly improves short-term memory, verbal and non-verbal, according to the results obtained in the RIST test. The results showed an improvement in executive function in terms of short-term memory, working memory, selective and sustained attention, and speed of processing.

Potential health benefits of (poly)phenols derived from fruit and 100% fruit juice

(Poly)phenol-rich diets have been associated with reduced risk of various diseases. Coffee and tea are typically identified as dietary sources of chlorogenic acid and flavan-3-ols; however, 100% fruit juice greatly contributes to anthocyanin, flavonol, flavan-3-ols, and flavanone intake, making them complementary sources of dietary (poly)phenols. Thus, the aim of this narrative review was to provide an overview of fruit (poly)phenols and their potential health benefits. Fruit (poly)phenols have been associated with several health benefits (eg, reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and neurocognitive benefits). Although perspectives on 100% fruit juice consumption are controversial due to the perception of sugar content, growing evidence supports the role of fruit in whole and 100% juice forms to provide consumer benefits in alignment with dietary guidance. However, differences in (poly)phenol profiles and bioavailability likely exist between whole fruit and 100% fruit juice due to processing and the presence/absence of fiber. Ongoing studies are better defining similarities and differences between whole fruit and 100% fruit juice to elucidate protective mechanisms and align with processing and consumer products.

The association between macular pigment optical density and visual function outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on data related to macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and visual function in adults with healthy eyes.

METHODS

MEDLINE®, Cochrane, and Commonwealth of Agriculture Bureau abstracts databases were searched for English-language publications between 1946 and August 2018. Included studies examined correlation of MPOD and visual function in adults with healthy eyes at all timepoints and all designs, except for case-control, case reports, and reviews. Visual function outcomes of interest included photostress recovery, contrast sensitivity, visual acuity, glare sensitivity/disability, and dark adaptation. Random effects model meta-analyses combined study-level correlation (r).

RESULTS

Twenty-two publications were included. In meta-analysis MPOD was found to be significantly correlated with contrast sensitivity at 30' (two studies, summary r: 0.37; 95% CI 0.15, 0.56), and at 1° eccentricity with a spatial frequency of 7, 11, and 21 cpd (three studies, summary r: 0.31; 95% CI 0.06, 0.52), with photostress recovery at a 1° eccentricity with a moderate background, 10 cpd, and 16% contrast (two studies, summary r: -0.17; 95% CI -0.31, -0.02), and at 30' (four studies, summary r: -0.57; 95% CI -0.78, -0.24), and with glare disability at 30' eccentricity with a log scale at 460 nm (three studies, summary r = 0.47; 95% CI 0.32; 0.59). There were insufficient data for meta-analysis for other visual functions.

CONCLUSIONS

Our review identifies a link between MPOD and visual function with significant correlations with photostress recovery, glare disability, and contrast sensitivity.

Effects of Polyphenol-Rich Interventions on Cognition and Brain Health in Healthy Young and Middle-Aged Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Context: Affecting older and even some younger adults, neurodegenerative disease represents a global public health concern and has been identified as a research priority. To date, most anti-aging interventions have examined older adults, but little is known about the effects of polyphenol interventions on brain-related aging processes in healthy young and middle-aged adults. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the acute and chronic effects of (poly)phenol-rich diet supplementation on cognitive function and brain health in young and middle-aged adults. In July 2019, two electronic databases (PubMed and Web of Science) were used to search for relevant trials examining the effect of acute or chronic (poly)phenol-rich supplementation on cognitive function and neuroprotective measures in young and middle-aged adults (<60 years old). A total of 4303 records were screened by two researchers using the PICOS criteria. Fifteen high quality (mean PEDro score = 8.8 ± 0.58) trials with 401 total participants were included in the final analyses. Information on treatment, study design, characteristics of participants, outcomes and used tools were extracted following PRISMA guidelines. When items were shown to be sufficiently comparable, a random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool estimates across studies. Effect size (ES) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated. The meta-analysis indicated that (poly)phenol supplementation significantly increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (ES = 3.259, p = 0.033), which was accompanied by higher performance in serial (7s) subtraction (ES = 1.467, p = 0.001) and decreases in simple reaction time (ES = −0.926, p = 0.015) and mental fatigue (ES = −3.521, p = 0.010). Data related to cognitive function were skewed towards an effect from acute compared to chronic polyphenol intervention; data related to BDNF were skewed toward an effect from higher bioavailability phenolic components. Conclusion: This meta-analysis provides promising findings regarding the usefulness of polyphenol-rich intervention as an inexpensive approach for enhancing circulation of pro-cognitive neurotrophic factors. These beneficial effects appear to depend on the supplementation protocols. An early acute and/or chronic application of low- to high-dose phenolic components with high bioavailability rates (≥30%) at a younger age appear to provide more promising effects.

Effects of carbohydrate and protein co-ingestion during short-term moderate-intensity exercise on cognitive function

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the effects of isocaloric carbohydrate-electrolyte solution (CES) and carbohydrates-electrolyte-protein solution (CEPS) consumed during moderate-intensity exercise on cognitive function.

METHODS

Twenty-three healthy participants (age: 21.7±1.5 years, Body Mass Index: 21.8±2.0 kg/m2, and peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak): 42.4±6.9 mL/kg/min) were recruited in the study. Participants completed two main experiment trials using a cross-over study design. In each trial, they completed 30 minutes of 70% VO2peak cycling, and one of two solutions (CES or CEPS) was consumed. A battery of cognitive function tests (imPACT Package) was administrated at rest and immediately post-exercise.

RESULTS

Blood glucose concentrations decreased in both trials. Heart rate and blood lactate concentrations increased in both trials. However, no significant main effects of the exercise on all cognitive function variables (verbal and visual memory, visual-motor speed, reaction time, impulse control, and cognitive efficiency index) were observed (all P>0.05). Also, there was no difference in any of the cognitive function variables between the CES and CEPS trials (all P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

There was no difference in the cognitive performance when CES or CES-PRO solutions was consumed during 30 minutes moderate-intensity cycling.

Hypothetical Interventions on Risk Factors for Cognitive Impairment among Chinese Older Adults: An Application of the Parametric G-Formula

The effects of psychosocial and dietary interventions on risk of cognitive impairment is not known. The aim of this study was to estimate the 10-year risks of cognitive impairment under hypothetical interventions of psychosocial factors and dietary intake among Chinese older adults. A sample of 7377 respondents aged 65 and over was drawn from the last four waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey from 2002 to 2011/2012. The parametric g-formula was used to estimate the risk of cognitive impairment under independent hypothetical interventions of social engagement, psychological well-being (PWB), dietary intake, and the joint interventions of their different combination. The observed risk of cognitive impairment was 20.08% (95% confidence interval (CI): 18.81, 21.07). The risk ratios (RR) of cognitive impairment under the hypothetical interventions on higher social engagement, eating fruits at least sometimes, eating vegetables at least sometimes, positive PWB were 0.72 (95% CI: 0.65, 0.82), 0.93 (95% CI: 0.89, 0.95), 0.98 (95% CI: 0.89, 1.00) and 0.99 (95% CI: 0.98, 0.99), respectively. The RR of joint intervention was 0.64 (95% CI: 0.58, 0.73). Hypothetical interventions on psychosocial factors such as social engagement and PWB, as well as fruits and vegetable intake, were beneficial to protect older adults from cognitive impairment.

Cognitive impairments in type 2 diabetes, risk factors and preventive strategies

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a modifiable risk factor in progression of several diseases including dementia and type 2 diabetes. If cognitive impairments are not reversed at an early stage of appearance of symptoms, then the prolonged pathogenesis can lead to dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Therefore, it is necessary to detect the risk factors and mechanism of prevention of cognitive dysfunction at an early stage of disease. Poor lifestyle, age, hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia, and inflammation are some of the major risk factors that contribute to cognitive and memory impairments in diabetic patients. Mild cognitive impairment was seen in those individuals of type 2 diabetes, who are on an unhealthy diet. Physical inactivity, frequent alcohol consumptions, and use of packed food products that provides an excess of cheap calories are found associated with cognitive impairment and depression in diabetic patients. Omega fatty acids (FAs) and polyphenol-rich foods, especially flavonoids, can reduce the bad effects of an unhealthy lifestyle; therefore, the consumption of omega FAs and flavonoids may be beneficial in maintaining normal cognitive function. These functional foods may improve cognitive functions by targeting many enzymes and molecules in cells chiefly through their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, or signaling actions. Here, we provide the current concepts on the risk factors of cognitive impairments in type 2 diabetes and the mechanism of prevention, using omega FAs and bioactive compounds obtained from fruits and vegetables. The knowledge derived from such studies may assist physicians in managing the health care of patients with cognitive difficulties.

Plant-Based Dietary Patterns, Plant Foods, and Age-Related Cognitive Decline

The aging population is expanding, as is the prevalence of age-related cognitive decline (ARCD). Of the several risk factors that predict the onset and progression of ARCD, 2 important modifiable risk factors are diet and physical activity. Dietary patterns that emphasize plant foods can exert neuroprotective effects. In this comprehensive review, we examine studies in humans of plant-based dietary patterns and polyphenol-rich plant foods and their role in either preventing ARCD and/or improving cognitive function. As yet, there is no direct evidence to support the benefits of a vegetarian diet in preventing cognitive decline. However, there is emerging evidence for brain-health-promoting effects of several plant foods rich in polyphenols, anti-inflammatory dietary patterns, and plant-based dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean diet that include a variety of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains. The bioactive compounds present in these dietary patterns include antioxidant vitamins, polyphenols, other phytochemicals, and unsaturated fatty acids. In animal models these nutrients and non-nutrients have been shown to enhance neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and neuronal survival by reducing oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. In this review, we summarize the mounting evidence in favor of plant-centered dietary patterns, inclusive of polyphenol-rich foods for cognitive well-being. Randomized clinical trials support the role of plant foods (citrus fruits, grapes, berries, cocoa, nuts, green tea, and coffee) in improving specific domains of cognition, most notably frontal executive function. We also identify knowledge gaps and recommend future studies to identify whether plant-exclusive diets have an added cognitive advantage compared with plant-centered diets with fish and/or small amounts of animal foods.

Cognitive Function and Consumption of Fruit and Vegetable Polyphenols in a Young Population: Is There a Relationship?

Scientific evidence has shown the relationship between consumption of fruits and vegetables and their polyphenols with the prevention or treatment of diseases. The aim of this review was to find out whether the same relationship exists between fruits and vegetables and cognitive function, especially memory, in a young population. The mechanisms by which polyphenols of fruits and vegetables can exert cognitive benefits were also evaluated. These compounds act to improve neuronal plasticity through the protein CREB (Camp Response Element Binding) in the hippocampus, modulating pathways of signaling and transcription factors (ERK/Akt). In the same way, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is implicated in the maintenance, survival, growth, and differentiation of neurons. All these effects are produced by an increase of cerebral blood flow and an increase of the blood’s nitric oxide levels and oxygenation.

Protective Effects of Foods Containing Flavonoids on Age-Related Cognitive Decline

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Evidence suggests that flavonoids, polyphenolic compounds found in many plant-derived foods, such as berries, may allay cognitive impairment. We review recent research exploring the protective effects of flavonoids on age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disorders in humans and animals. We also address the mechanisms by which flavonoids may exert their effects and promising avenues of future research.

RECENT FINDINGS

Flavonoids have been found to decrease neuroinflammation, reduce oxidative stress, and mediate neuroplasticity in animal models of neurodegeneration and aging. Injecting flavonoids encased in metal nanoparticles may further enhance the efficacy of flavonoids. Animal studies also demonstrate that flavonoid supplementation may alleviate neurodegenerative cognitive and memory impairments. Limited human studies, however, demonstrate the need for further clinical research investigating flavonoids. Flavonoid supplementation, as well as dietary modification to include whole foods high in flavonoids, may provide therapeutic potential for aging individuals experiencing cognitive deficits resulting from neurodegeneration.