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Zagkos L, Drenos F, Emmett P, Blakemore AI, Nordström T, Hurtig T, Jarvelin MR, Dovey TM. Associations of adolescents' diet and meal patterns with school performance in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986: A Mendelian randomisation study. Appetite 2023; 190:107036. [PMID: 37734238 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2023.107036] [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: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several observational studies indicate that dietary habits in children and adolescents are associated with school performance. These associations are heavily confounded by socio-economic characteristics, such as household income and parents' educational attainment, amongst other factors. The objective of this study was to explore the association between diet and school performance in adolescents from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 (NFBC1986). METHODS Dietary and school performance data were collected using self-reported questionnaires from adolescents in the NFBC1986 cross-sectional, 16-year follow-up study. In this work we derived exploratory factors for the dietary variables, frequency of skipping main meals and school performance variables, performed genome-wide association studies (GWAS) against these factors to obtain genetic association data and conducted one-sample and two-sample Mendelian randomisation (MR) analyses using individual level data for up to 9220 adolescents in NFBC1986 and GWAS results from external cohorts. We report observational and MR effects of diet on school performance and cognition-related phenotypes. RESULTS The observational study and the one-sample Mendelian randomisation analysis showed that high fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) consumption was associated with poor school performance in general/science subjects (-0.080, -0.128 to -0.033) and staple food consumption with better school performance in general/science subjects (0.071, 0.024 to 0.119) and physical education (0.065, 0.021 to 0.110). Findings from our two-sample MR analysis identified dietary principal components described best as whole brain bread, wheat, cheese, oat cereal and red wine to be associated with higher educational attainment and other cognition-related phenotypes. CONCLUSION Using genetics, we highlighted the potential role of HFSS food consumption and consumption of the components of a staple food diet for school performance. However, further research is required to find conclusive evidence that could support a causal role of diet on school performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loukas Zagkos
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge, London, UB8 3PH, UK; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, St Mary's Campus, London, W2 1PG, UK.
| | - Fotios Drenos
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge, London, UB8 3PH, UK
| | - Pauline Emmett
- Bristol Medical School: Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, 69 St Michael's Hill, Bristol, BS2 8DZ, UK
| | - Alexandra I Blakemore
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge, London, UB8 3PH, UK; Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Tanja Nordström
- Northern Finland Birth Cohorts, Infrastructure for Population Studies, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Pentti Kaiteran Katu 1, 90570, Oulu, Finland; Center for Life Course Health Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, PO Box 8000, FI-90014, Oulun Yliopisto, Finland; Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Pentti Kaiteran Katu 1, 90570, Oulu, Finland
| | - Tuula Hurtig
- Research Unit of Clinical Neuroscience and PEDEGO Research Unit, University of Oulu, Finland; Clinic of Child Psychiatry, Oulu University Hospital, 90230, Peltolantie 13-15, 90210, Oulu, Finland
| | - Marjo-Riitta Jarvelin
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge, London, UB8 3PH, UK; Center for Life Course Health Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, PO Box 8000, FI-90014, Oulun Yliopisto, Finland; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, St Mary's Campus, London, W2 1PG, UK; Unit of Primary Health Care, Oulu University Hospital, OYS, Kajaanintie 50, 90220, Oulu, Finland
| | - Terence M Dovey
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge, London, UB8 3PH, UK
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Rizzo G, Baroni L, Lombardo M. Promising Sources of Plant-Derived Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: A Narrative Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20031683. [PMID: 36767052 PMCID: PMC9914036 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20031683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background: Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are known for their ability to protect against numerous metabolic disorders. The consumption of oily fish is the main source of PUFAs in human nutrition and is commonly used for supplement production. However, seafood is an overexploited source that cannot be guaranteed to cover the global demands. Furthermore, it is not consumed by everyone for ecological, economic, ethical, geographical and taste reasons. The growing demand for natural dietary sources of PUFAs suggests that current nutritional sources are insufficient to meet global needs, and less and less will be. Therefore, it is crucial to find sustainable sources that are acceptable to all, meeting the world population's needs. (2) Scope: This review aims to evaluate the recent evidence about alternative plant sources of essential fatty acids, focusing on long-chain omega-3 (n-3) PUFAs. (3) Method: A structured search was performed on the PubMed search engine to select available human data from interventional studies using omega-3 fatty acids of non-animal origin. (4) Results: Several promising sources have emerged from the literature, such as algae, microorganisms, plants rich in stearidonic acid and GM plants. However, the costs, acceptance and adequate formulation deserve further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Rizzo
- Independent Researcher, Via Venezuela 66, 98121 Messina, Italy
| | - Luciana Baroni
- Scientific Society for Vegetarian Nutrition, 30171 Venice, Italy
| | - Mauro Lombardo
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Open University, 00166 Rome, Italy
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Costello SE, Geiser E, Schneider N. Nutrients for executive function development and related brain connectivity in school-aged children. Nutr Rev 2021; 79:1293-1306. [PMID: 33355357 DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuaa134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Executive functions refer to a set of higher-order cognitive processes involved in the control and organization of information to serve goal-directed behaviors. Skills in executive functioning are developed throughout childhood and adolescence and have been shown to be predictive of academic achievement. The coordination of these complex processes is critically dependent on brain maturation and connectivity, including key neurodevelopmental processes like myelination and synaptogenesis. Among other factors, research highlights the influential effect of nutrition and diet on these neurodevelopmental processes, which may impact executive function performance in healthy and deficient populations. This review considers the research to date on the role of key nutrients that have been identified for executive function development and their underlying neurophysiological processes in school-aged children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Costello
- Société des Produits Nestlé S.A, Nestlé Research, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Eveline Geiser
- Société des Produits Nestlé S.A, Nestlé Research, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nora Schneider
- Société des Produits Nestlé S.A, Nestlé Research, Lausanne, Switzerland
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van der Wurff IS, Meyer BJ, de Groot RH. Effect of Omega-3 Long Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (n-3 LCPUFA) Supplementation on Cognition in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Literature Review with a Focus on n-3 LCPUFA Blood Values and Dose of DHA and EPA. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12103115. [PMID: 33053843 PMCID: PMC7599612 DOI: 10.3390/nu12103115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFA) supplementation in the cardiovascular field is effective if a certain Omega-3 index (O3I) is achieved or the daily n-3 LCPUFA dose is high enough. Whether this applies to studies on cognition in children and adolescents is unclear. The aims of the current review were to investigate whether: (1) a certain O3I level and (2) a minimum daily n-3 LCPUFA dose are required to improve cognition in 4-25 year olds. Web of Science and PubMed were searched. Inclusion criteria: placebo controlled randomized controlled trial; participants 4-25 years; supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and/or eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA); assessing cognition; in English and ≥10 participants per treatment arm. Thirty-three studies were included, 21 in typically developing participants, 12 in those with a disorder. A positive effect on cognitive measures was more likely in studies with an increase in O3I to >6%. Half of the studies in typically developing children with daily supplementation dose ≥450 mg DHA + EPA showed improved cognition. For children with a disorder no cut-off value was found. In conclusion, daily supplementation of ≥450 mg DHA + EPA per day and an increase in the O3I to >6% makes it more likely to show efficacy on cognition in children and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inge S.M. van der Wurff
- Conditions for Lifelong Learning, Faculty of Educational Sciences, Open University of the Netherlands, 6419 Heerlen, The Netherlands;
| | - Barbara J. Meyer
- School of Medicine, Lipid Research Centre, Molecular Horizons, Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia;
| | - Renate H.M. de Groot
- Conditions for Lifelong Learning, Faculty of Educational Sciences, Open University of the Netherlands, 6419 Heerlen, The Netherlands;
- NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, 6200 Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-45-576-2909
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Capitão LP, Baião R, Baek HK, Kappelmann N, Sharman R, Harvey CJ, Montgomery P, Burnet PW. Prebiotic supplementation does not affect reading and cognitive performance in children: A randomised placebo-controlled study. J Psychopharmacol 2020; 34:148-152. [PMID: 31342840 DOI: 10.1177/0269881119862534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Based on the emerging interest in the effects of gut microbiota on cognition, this proof-of-concept study assessed how children aged 7 to 9 with low reading scores responded to the ingestion of a 3-month prebiotic supplement versus a placebo. As a secondary aim, the effects of the prebiotic on cognition, sleep, behaviour, mood, anxiety, and cortisol were assessed. In this sample, the prebiotic did not affect any of the outcome measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana P Capitão
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Rita Baião
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Hee K Baek
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Rachel Sharman
- Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Christopher-James Harvey
- Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Paul Montgomery
- Department of Social Policy, Sociology and Criminology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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Derbyshire E. Brain Health across the Lifespan: A Systematic Review on the Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements. Nutrients 2018; 10:E1094. [PMID: 30111738 PMCID: PMC6116096 DOI: 10.3390/nu10081094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The brain is the most significant and complex organ of the human body. Increasingly, we are becoming aware that certain nutrients may help to safeguard brain health. An expanse of research has investigated the effects of omega fatty acids in relation to brain health but effects across the lifespan have not been widely evaluated. The present systematic review collated evidence from 25 randomized controlled trials (n = 3633) published since 2013. Compared with control groups, omega-3 supplementation generally correlated with improvements in blood biomarkers. Subsequently, these appear to benefit those with lower baseline fatty acid levels, who are breastfeeding or who have neuropsychiatric conditions. Whilst multiple studies indicate that omega fatty acids can protect against neurodegeneration in older adults, more work is needed in the years preceding the diagnosis of such medical conditions. Bearing in mind the scale of ageing populations and rising healthcare costs linked to poor brain health, omega supplementation could be a useful strategy for helping to augment dietary intakes and support brain health across the lifespan. Ongoing research is now needed using harmonious methodologies, supplement dosages, ratios and intervention periods to help formulate congruent conclusions.
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Еffects of fortified milk on cognitive abilities in school-aged children: results from a randomized-controlled trial. Eur J Nutr 2018; 58:1863-1872. [PMID: 29881917 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-018-1734-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals and long-chain polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids (PUFAs) are essential for children's brain development and cognitive functions. The current study investigated whether milk fortified with micronutrients and PUFA can result in improved cognitive function in mainstream school children. METHODS One-hundred-and-nineteen children (age 8-14, 58 boys) were randomly allocated to a fortified milk group or a regular full milk control group. Participants consumed 0.6L/day of the milk for 5 months. We recorded relevant biochemical, anthropometric, and cognitive measures (working memory and processing speed) at the start of the study and at follow-up after 5 months. RESULTS The fortified milk significantly increased docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (change from baseline of 28% [95% CI 17-39%] vs. -6% [95% CI - 13 to 0%] in the control group) and serum 25OH-vitamin D concentrations (41% [95% CI 30-52%] vs. 21% [95% CI 11-30%] in the control group). The fortified milk improved working memory on one of two tests (32% [95% CI 17-47%] vs. 13% [95% CI 6-19%] in the control group). The fortified milk also indirectly increased processing speed on one of two tests; this effect was small and completely mediated by increases in 25OH-vitamin D concentrations. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that fortifying milk with micronutrients and PUFA could be an effective and practical way to aid children's cognitive development.
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