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Gillespie KM, White MJ, Kemps E, Moore H, Dymond A, Bartlett SE. The Impact of Free and Added Sugars on Cognitive Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients 2023; 16:75. [PMID: 38201905 PMCID: PMC10780393 DOI: 10.3390/nu16010075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
A relationship between excessive sugar consumption and cognitive function has been described in animal models, but the specific effects of sugars in humans remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the current knowledge, research characteristics, and quality of evidence of studies investigating the impacts of free and added sugars on human cognition in healthy participants. The review identified 77 studies (65 experimental trials, n = 3831; 9 cross-sectional studies, n = 11,456; and 3 cohort studies, n = 2059). All cohort studies and eight of the nine cross-sectional studies found significant positive correlations between added sugar consumption and risk of cognitive impairment. Four studies identified reduced risk of cognitive impairment associated with natural fructose-containing foods. The majority of randomised control trials assessed short-term glucose facilitation effects on cognitive outcomes. The results from these studies suggest the need for a tightly regulated blood glucose level, dependent on individualised physiological factors, for optimal cognitive function. A meta-analysis of a subset of studies that assessed the impact of glucose on recall found improvements in immediate free recall compared to controls (p = 0.002). The findings highlight the potentially detrimental effect of excessive, long-term, or prenatal added sugar consumption on cognitive function. Further research is needed to examine the specific effects of free and added sugars on cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerri M. Gillespie
- School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia;
| | - Melanie J. White
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia;
| | - Eva Kemps
- College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia;
| | - Halim Moore
- Laboratory of the Metabolic Adaptations to Exercise under Physiological and Pathological Conditions (AME2P), Université Clermont Auvergne, 63170 Clermont-Ferrand, France;
| | - Alexander Dymond
- Mental Health and Specialist Services, Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service, Gold Coast, QLD 4215, Australia;
| | - Selena E. Bartlett
- School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia;
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Liu S, Mo C, Lei L, Lv F, Li J, Xu X, Lu P, Wei G, Huang X, Zeng X, Qiu X. Association of ultraprocessed foods consumption and cognitive function among children aged 4-7 years: a cross-sectional data analysis. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1272126. [PMID: 37881777 PMCID: PMC10597700 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1272126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption has shown associations with cognitive function in preschool children, but effects of other ultraprocessed foods consumption are rarely discussed in China. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between ultraprocessed food consumption and cognitive function among preschool children in China. Methods A total of 325 children aged 4-7 years were included from Guangxi Zhuang Birth Cohort in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. Face-to-face interviews with parents using the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was conducted to investigate the status of seven ultraprocessed foods consumption (i.e., chocolate, biscuits, candy, fast-food, ice cream, SSBs, and sweet bakery products). The mandarin-language version of the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI, Fourth Edition) was applied to assess the cognitive function of children. Multiple linear and logistic regression models were used to assess the associations between ultraprocessed food consumption and the full-scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ) and different domains and risk of cognitive deficit, respectively. Results We found that frequent consumption of candy (β = -3.34, 95% CI: -5.62∼-1.06; p = 0.004) and sweet bakery products (β = -2.77, 95% CI: -5.58∼0.04; p = 0.054) were significant associated with decreased FSIQ scores in the linear regression models. However, only frequent consumption of candy was statistically significantly associated with an increased risk of cognitive deficit (OR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.11∼3.79; p = 0.023) in the logistic regression models. For the different domains, we found frequent consumption of candy (β = -3.85, 95% CI: -6.28∼-1.43; p = 0.002) and sweet bakery products (β = -3.48, 95% CI: -6.47∼-0.49; p = 0.023) was also significantly associated with lower Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI). When combining the seven ultraprocessed foods, we found children who frequently consumed more than two kinds of ultraprocessed foods had a significant decrease of VCI scores (β = -2.66; 95% CI: -5.12∼-0.19; p = 0.035) too. Conclusion Our results suggested that frequent consumption of individual (candy and sweet bakery products) and multiple ultraprocessed foods may decrease VCI scores and thereby impact cognitive function in children aged 4-7 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Liu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health and Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Caimei Mo
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Lidi Lei
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Fangfang Lv
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Jinxiu Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xuemei Xu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Peini Lu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Gangjie Wei
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xuanqian Huang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xiaoyun Zeng
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Qiu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
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Chen X, Zhang J, Lin Y, Li Y, Wang H, Wang Z, Liu H, Hu Y, Liu L. Mechanism, prevention and treatment of cognitive impairment caused by high altitude exposure. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1191058. [PMID: 37731540 PMCID: PMC10507266 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1191058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypobaric hypoxia (HH) characteristics induce impaired cognitive function, reduced concentration, and memory. In recent years, an increasing number of people have migrated to high-altitude areas for work and study. Headache, sleep disturbance, and cognitive impairment from HH, severely challenges the physical and mental health and affects their quality of life and work efficiency. This review summarizes the manifestations, mechanisms, and preventive and therapeutic methods of HH environment affecting cognitive function and provides theoretical references for exploring and treating high altitude-induced cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiexin Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Faculty of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Sciences, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yuan Lin
- Sichuan Xincheng Biological Co., LTD., Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of General Surgery, The 77th Army Hospital, Leshan, Sichuan, China
| | - Han Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhanhao Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Huawei Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yonghe Hu
- Faculty of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Medical Research Center, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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The Impact of Free Sugar on Human Health-A Narrative Review. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15040889. [PMID: 36839247 PMCID: PMC9966020 DOI: 10.3390/nu15040889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The importance of nutrition in human health has been understood for over a century. However, debate is ongoing regarding the role of added and free sugars in physiological and neurological health. In this narrative review, we have addressed several key issues around this debate and the major health conditions previously associated with sugar. We aim to determine the current evidence regarding the role of free sugars in human health, specifically obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cognition, and mood. We also present some predominant theories on mechanisms of action. The findings suggest a negative effect of excessive added sugar consumption on human health and wellbeing. Specific class and source of carbohydrate appears to greatly influence the impact of these macronutrients on health. Further research into individual effects of carbohydrate forms in diverse populations is needed to understand the complex relationship between sugar and health.
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Zeng Q, Hu X, Wang Y. The association between muscle strength and executive function in children and adolescents: Based on survey evidence in rural areas of China. Front Psychol 2023; 13:1090143. [PMID: 36687972 PMCID: PMC9853898 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1090143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In recent years, muscle strength in children and adolescents has continued to decline, especially in rural areas. Executive function as a higher function of the brain, is closely related to the future achievement of children and adolescents. For this reason, this study analyzed the correlation between muscle strength and executive function in children and adolescents in rural areas of China to better promote the development of muscle strength and executive function. Methods Demographic factors, muscle strength, and executive function were tested in 1,335 children and adolescents in rural China using a three-stage stratified whole-group sampling method. One-way ANOVA and chi-square test were used to compare the differences in executive function among children and adolescents with different muscle strengths. Multiple linear regression analysis and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the association that exists between muscle strength and executive function. Results When comparing the inconsistently, congruent, 1back, 2back, conversion, size parity, and cognitive flexibility response times of children and adolescents with different muscle strength indexes in rural China, the differences were statistically significant (F = 46.592, 45.610, 10.809, 32.068, 24.095, 19.260, 11.501, p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis was performed using children and adolescents with muscle strength index >P80 as the control group. The results showed that the risk of 1back dysfunction was higher (OR = 1.764, 95% CI:1.094, 2.843) in children and adolescents with muscle strength index <P20 (p < 0.05). The risk of 2back dysfunction was higher in children and adolescents with a muscle strength index <P20 (OR = 2.129, 95% CI:1.329, 3.410) (p < 0.01). Compared with children and adolescents with muscle strength index >P80. The muscle strength index <P20 group had a higher risk of cognitive flexibility dysfunction (OR = 1.820, 95% CI:1.111, 2.982) (p < 0.05). Conclusion There is a association between muscle strength and executive function in children and adolescents in rural areas of China. Those with higher muscle strength have shorter executive function reaction times and are at lower risk of developing executive dysfunction. Future measures should be taken to improve muscle strength and executive function levels in children and adolescents in rural areas to promote healthy physical and mental development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Zeng
- School of Physical Education, Huanghuai University, Zhumadian, China
| | - Xin Hu
- School of Physical Education, Huanghuai University, Zhumadian, China,*Correspondence: Xin Hu,
| | - Yujie Wang
- Department of Public Education, Zhumadian Vocational and Technical College, Zhumadian, China
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Li S, Liu C, Song Y, Ma N, Lu J. Association of Soyfoods or Soybean Products Consumption with Psychological Symptoms: Evidence from a Cross-Sectional Study of Chinese University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:819. [PMID: 36613140 PMCID: PMC9819589 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
There is a strong association between soyfoods or soybean product consumption and adolescent health, but there are few studies on the association between soyfoods or soybean product consumption and psychological symptoms among university students. To this end, this study investigated the association between soyfoods or soybean products consumption and psychological symptoms among Chinese university students and analyzed the association between them. A three-stage stratified whole-group sampling method was used to administer questionnaires on soyfoods or soybean products consumption and psychological symptoms to 7742 university students in China. Self-assessment questionnaires were also administered to confounding variables such as basic demographic information, family status, parental education, body mass index (BMI), and moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA). The chi-square test, one-way ANOVA, and logistic regression analysis were used to explore the association and differences between soyfoods or soybean products consumption and psychological symptoms. The proportion of Chinese university students' soyfoods or soybean products consumption in ≤one time/week, two-four times/week, and ≥five times/week were 38.81%, 40.24%, and 20.95%, respectively. University students' psychological symptoms problem detection rate was 16.22%. The detection rate of psychological symptoms was lower among university male students (14.75%) than female students (17.35%), and the difference was statistically significant (χ2 = 9.525, p < 0.01). After adjusting for relevant covariates, students with soyfoods or soybean products consumption ≤one time/week (OR = 1.83, 95% CI:1.52, 2.21) had a higher risk of psychological symptoms compared to university students with soyfoods or soybean products consumption ≥five time/week (p < 0.01). During the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese university students had lower consumption of soyfoods or soybean products and a higher detection rate of psychological symptoms. There was a negative association between soyfoods or soybean products consumption and psychological symptoms. Our study provides a scientific reference for the government and educational decision-making authorities and suggests that education on eating behavior and dietary guidance should be emphasized among university students in the future to maintain a reasonable consumption of soyfoods or soybean products for better physical and mental health development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengpeng Li
- School of Preschool Education, Jingzhou Institute of Technology, Jingzhou 434020, China
| | - Cong Liu
- Physical Education College, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang 330022, China
| | - Yongjing Song
- College of Education and Sports Sciences, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434020, China
| | - Nan Ma
- College of Physical Education and Health, Shanghai Lixin University of Accounting and Finance, Shanghai 201209, China
| | - Jinkui Lu
- School of Physical Education, Shangrao Normal University, Shangrao 334000, China
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Wang Y, Bi C, Liu H, Lin H, Cai R, Zhang J. Association of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption with psychological symptoms among Chinese university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1024946. [PMID: 36312111 PMCID: PMC9608563 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1024946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental health of college students has become a public health issue of common concern worldwide. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, the problem has become even more acute. The aim of this study was to assess the association between sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) consumption and psychological symptoms among Chinese college students in order to promote their mental health. METHODS The study population was 6,120 college students aged 19-22 years from Anhui, Henan and Xinjiang, China. Basic demographic information, covariates and SSB Consumption data were collected through a self-assessment questionnaire. The "Multidimensional Sub-health Questionnaire of Adolescents" was used to assess the psychological symptoms of college students. The Chi-square test, one-way ANOVA and logistic regression analysis were used to investigate the differences and associations between SSB consumption and psychological symptoms among Chinese college students. RESULTS The detection rate of psychological symptoms among Chinese college students was 8.1%. The detection rate of boys students was 9.4% and that of girls students was 7.1%, and the difference was statistically significant in comparison (χ 2-value was 11.08, p < 0.001). After controlling for covariates, Model 2 analysis showed that compared to SSB consumption <2 time/week, college students with SSB consumption ≥2 time/week (OR = 2.96, 95% CI: 2.36, 3.70) had a higher risk of psychological symptoms (p < 0.001). The same trend was found for emotional symptoms, behavioral symptoms, and social adaptation difficulties dimensions. CONCLUSION There is an association between SSB consumption and the occurrence of psychological symptoms among Chinese college students. Future measures should be taken to reduce both SSB consumption and the incidence of psychological symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Wang
- Public Teaching Department, Zhumadian Vocational and Technical College, Zhumadian, China
| | - Cunjian Bi
- School of Physical Education, Chizhou University, Chizhou, China
- Sports Health Promotion Center, Chizhou University, Chizhou, China
| | - He Liu
- Research Department of Physical Education, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China
| | - Hongniu Lin
- School of Physical Education, Chizhou University, Chizhou, China
- Sports Health Promotion Center, Chizhou University, Chizhou, China
| | - Ruibao Cai
- School of Physical Education, Chizhou University, Chizhou, China
- Sports Health Promotion Center, Chizhou University, Chizhou, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- School of Physical Education, Chizhou University, Chizhou, China
- Sports Health Promotion Center, Chizhou University, Chizhou, China
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