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Storz MA. Does Self-Perceived Diet Quality Align with Nutrient Intake? A Cross-Sectional Study Using the Food Nutrient Index and Diet Quality Score. Nutrients 2023; 15:2720. [PMID: 37375624 DOI: 10.3390/nu15122720] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
A reliable diet quality (DQ) assessment is critical to empower individuals to improve their dietary choices. Controversies persist as to whether self-perceived DQ is accurate and correlated with actual DQ as assessed by validated nutrient intake indexes. We used National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys data to examine whether a higher self-perceived DQ was positively associated with a more optimal nutrient intake as reflected by the Food Nutrient Index (FNI) and Diet Quality Score (DQS). Comparative analyses were performed for three self-perceived DQ groups: (I) "excellent or very good" DQ, (II) "good or fair" DQ, and (III) "poor" DQ. The FNI and DQS differed substantially across groups and sexes. FNI scores ranged from 65 to 69 in participants with a self-reported excellent or very good DQ, whereas participants with a self-perceived poor DQ scored significantly lower (53-59). We also observed age- and sex-specific patterns, with the lowest overall FNI scores found in males aged 18-30 years and females aged 31-50 years. DQ intergroup differences were more pronounced in females than in males. Our findings suggest that higher self-perceived DQ is associated with a more optimal nutrient intake and indicate potential helpfulness of self-perceived DQ as a quick and still underexplored indicator with intrinsic limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Andreas Storz
- Center for Complementary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine II, Freiburg University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
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Pipingas A, Reddan JM, Gauci S, Young LM, Kennedy G, Rowsell R, King R, Spiteri S, Minihane AM, Scholey A. Post-Prandial Cognitive and Blood Pressure Effects of a DHA-Rich Omega-3 Powder in Middle-Aged Males: A Pilot Study. Nutrients 2023; 15:2198. [PMID: 37432363 DOI: 10.3390/nu15092198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (ω-3 PUFA) supplements is increasingly common among middle-aged and older adults. Users of ω-3 PUFA supplements often report using such supplements to support cognitive health, despite mixed findings reported within the ω-3 PUFA literature. To date, very few studies have explored cognitive effects in distinctly middle-aged (40 to 60 years) adults, and none have examined the acute effects (in the hours following a single dose) on cognitive performance. The current study evaluated whether a single dose of ω-3 PUFA (4020 mg docosahexaenoic acid and 720 mg eicosapentaenoic acid) influences cognitive performance and cardiovascular function in middle-aged males. Cognitive performance and cardiovascular function were assessed before and 3.5-4 h after consumption of a high dose of ω-3 PUFA (DHA + EPA) or placebo, incorporated into a standardized meal (i.e., single serve of Greek yogurt). In this study of middle-aged males, no significant differential treatment effects were observed for cognitive performance. However, a significant reduction in aortic systolic blood pressure (pre-dose to post-dose) was apparent following consumption of the ω-3 PUFA (DHA + EPA) treatment (mean difference = -4.11 mmHg, p = 0.004) but not placebo (mean difference = -1.39 mmHg, p = 0.122). Future replication in a sample comprising females, as well as patients with hypertension, is merited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Pipingas
- Centre for Mental Health and Brain Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia
| | - Jeffery Michael Reddan
- Centre for Mental Health and Brain Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia
| | - Sarah Gauci
- Food & Mood Centre, The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Lauren M Young
- Centre for Mental Health and Brain Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia
| | - Greg Kennedy
- Centre for Mental Health and Brain Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia
| | - Renee Rowsell
- Centre for Mental Health and Brain Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia
| | - Rebecca King
- Centre for Mental Health and Brain Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia
| | - Sam Spiteri
- Centre for Mental Health and Brain Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia
| | | | - Andrew Scholey
- Centre for Mental Health and Brain Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, Monash University, Notting Hill, VIC 3168, Australia
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Young LM, Gauci S, Arnoldy L, Martin L, Perry N, White DJ, Meyer D, Lassemillante AC, Ogden E, Silber B, Scholey A, Pipingas A. Investigating the Effects of a Multinutrient Supplement on Cognition, Mood and Biochemical Markers in Middle-Aged Adults with 'Optimal' and 'Sub-Optimal' Diets: A Randomized Double Blind Placebo Controlled Trial. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14235079. [PMID: 36501109 PMCID: PMC9741460 DOI: 10.3390/nu14235079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Previous randomized controlled trials examining cognitive and mood effects of combination multivitamin supplements in healthy, non-clinical adults have reported mixed results. One purported explanation for this is that the dietary status of participants at the start of supplement interventions may influence the magnitude of the effect of supplementation. Methods: In this study, we evaluated the effect of a multinutrient formula containing B group vitamins, Bacopa monniera and Ginkgo biloba on memory, attention, mood and biochemical markers of nutrient status in middle-aged adults (M = 52.84 years, n = 141) with 'optimal' and 'sub-optimal' diets over 12 weeks. We hypothesised that active supplementation would differentially improve memory and attention in those with a 'sub-optimal' diet. Results: Mixed model, repeated measures analysis revealed that, in comparison to placebo, active treatment was associated with significant increases in B vitamin status (B1, B6, B12). Regarding behavioural outcomes there was no significant benefit to memory (F(1, 113.51) = 0.53, p = 0.470) nor attention (F(1,113.77) = 1.89, p = 0.171) in the whole cohort. Contrary to our hypothesis, there was a significant beneficial effect of supplementation on attentional performance in individuals with an 'optimal' diet prior to supplementation (F(1,57.25) = 4.94, p = 0.030). In the absence of a main effect of supplementation across the entire cohort, there were also a number of significant three-way interactions (treatment by time by diet group) detected in secondary outcomes including lower state anxiety and mental fatigue in those with an 'optimal' diet. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the cognitive benefit of B vitamin and herbal supplementation may be dependent on diet quality, supporting the concepts of 'co-nutrient optimisation' and interdependency of nutrients. This warrants further investigation. This study advocates characterising the diet of participants prior to supplementation as it may influence the effect of a nutraceutical intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M. Young
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia
| | - Sarah Gauci
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia
- Food & Mood Centre, The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Lizanne Arnoldy
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia
| | - Laura Martin
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia
| | - Naomi Perry
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia
| | - David J. White
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia
| | - Denny Meyer
- Department of Health Sciences and Biostatistics, Swinburne University, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia
| | - Annie-Claude Lassemillante
- Department of Nursing and Allied Health, Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia
| | - Edward Ogden
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia
| | - Beata Silber
- Swisse Wellness Pty Ltd., Melbourne, VIC 3066, Australia
| | - Andrew Scholey
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, Monash University, Notting Hill, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Andrew Pipingas
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia
- Correspondence:
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Tuck NJ, Farrow CV, Thomas JM. Frequency of fruit consumption and savoury snacking predict psychological health; selective mediation via cognitive failures. Br J Nutr 2022; 129:1-26. [PMID: 35616008 PMCID: PMC9899573 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114522001660] [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: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
While there is growing interest in the link between diet and psychological health, there is a surprising lack of studies investigating the precise associations between nutrient-rich foods (such as fruit and vegetables) versus nutrient-poor foods (such as energy-dense savoury and sweet snacks), and psychological health. Similarly, the psychological processes underpinning the relationship between dietary intake and psychological health remain unclear. Hence, the present study aimed to explore the relationship between dietary consumption and psychological health, with cognitive processes as a theoretical mediator. This cross-sectional online study included 428 healthy adults (53% female; mean age= 39.7, SD= 13.0), with participants completing a range of validated questionnaires measuring dietary habits and psychological health. Stepwise multiple regression revealed that more frequent consumption of fruit was associated with reduced symptoms of depression (β = -.109, p = 0.025) and greater positive psychological wellbeing (β = .187, p < 0.001). Conversely, more frequent savoury snacking was associated with increased anxiety (β = .127, p = 0.005). Further, mediation analyses revealed that more frequent consumption of savoury snacks was associated with increased symptoms of depression, stress, anxiety, and reduced psychological wellbeing, via an increase in cognitive failures (ps < 0.001). These results provide new insights on the independent associations between certain types of food and psychological health, and the psychological mechanisms that may mediate these. Further work is now required to establish causality and determine whether these may represent modifiable dietary targets that can directly (and indirectly) influence our psychological health.
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Gauci S, Young LM, Arnoldy L, Scholey A, White DJ, Lassemillante AC, Meyer D, Pipingas A. The Association Between Diet and Cardio-Metabolic Risk on Cognitive Performance: A Cross-Sectional Study of Middle-Aged Australian Adults. Front Nutr 2022; 9:862475. [PMID: 35571882 PMCID: PMC9096908 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.862475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Adherence to different dietary patterns has been linked to the development of cognitive decline; yet little is known about whether this relationship is present in middle age. The current study aimed to explore the relationship between different dietary patterns, cognitive performance, and potential cardio-metabolic mechanisms for this relationship. Participants were recruited using a diet screening tool to ensure that the cohort had a range of diet quality ranging from relatively poor to relatively healthy. In a sample of 141 middle-aged adults (age: M = 52.84 years, SD = 6.87 years), multiple 24 h diet recalls were collected and used to score adherence to the Mediterranean diet, dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) diet, and Mediterranean-DASH diet intervention for neurodegenerative delay (MIND) diet. Metabolic risk was assessed using the metabolic syndrome severity score (MetSSS) and arterial stiffness. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Swinburne University Computerized Cognitive Assessment Battery (SUCCAB). Adherence to the MIND diet was significantly related to Stroop Processing domain (β = 0.19, p = 0.035). None of the dietary patterns were significantly related to MetSSS or arterial stiffness. However, adherence to the DASH diet was significantly associated with two cardio-metabolic measures including lower augmentation index (β = -0.17, p = 0.032) and lowered cholesterol (β = -0.18, p = 0.041). Interestingly, two cardio-metabolic risk factors were also associated with better cognitive performance: MetSSS (β = 0.21, p = 0.010) and waist circumference (β = 0.22, p = 0.020). Together these findings suggest that diet in middle age may be important for cognitive functioning and cardio-metabolic risk. However, more research is needed in the form of randomized controlled trials to confirm the direction of these relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Gauci
- Centre of Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Food and Mood Centre, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Lauren M Young
- Centre of Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Food and Mood Centre, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Lizanne Arnoldy
- Centre of Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew Scholey
- Centre of Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Nutrition Dietetics and Food, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - David J White
- Centre of Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Annie-Claude Lassemillante
- Department of Health and Medical Sciences, Swinburne University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Health Professions, Swinburne University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Denny Meyer
- Department of Health Science and Biostatistics, Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew Pipingas
- Centre of Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Gauci S, Young LM, White DJ, Reddan JM, Lassemillante AC, Meyer D, Pipingas A, Scholey A. Diet May Moderate the Relationship Between Arterial Stiffness and Cognitive Performance in Older Adults. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 85:815-828. [PMID: 34864661 PMCID: PMC8842781 DOI: 10.3233/jad-210567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive decline is influenced by various factors including diet, cardiovascular disease, and glucose control. However, the combined effect of these risk factors on cognitive performance is yet to be fully understood. OBJECTIVE The current study aimed to explore the inter-relationship between these risk factors and cognitive performance in older adults at risk of future cognitive decline. METHODS The sample comprised 163 (Age: M = 65.23 years, SD = 6.50) participants. Food Frequency Questionnaire data was used to score diet quality and adherence to the Western Style Diet (WSD) and Prudent Style Diet (PSD). Glucose control was gauged by serum levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and arterial stiffness was measured using carotid to femoral pulse wave velocity. Cognitive performance was assessed using two subtests of the Swinburne University Computerized Cognitive Assessment Battery (SUCCAB) and Rey's Verbal Learning Test (RVLT). RESULTS Diet quality, adherence to the WSD or PSD, and glucose control were not significantly related to cognitive outcomes. However, a significant negative association was found between arterial stiffness and the spatial working memory subtest of SUCCAB (β= -0.21, p < 0.05). Arterial stiffness also significantly interacted with the PSD to impact total recall (F change (1,134) = 5.37, p < 0.05) and the composite score of RVLT (F change (1,134) = 4.03, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION In this sample of older adults at risk of cognitive decline, diet alone was not found to predict cognitive performance; however, it was found to moderate the relationship between arterial stiffness and cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Gauci
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Heart and Mind Research, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - Lauren M Young
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Food and Mood Centre, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - David J White
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jeffery M Reddan
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Annie-Claude Lassemillante
- Department of Nursing and Allied Health, Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Denny Meyer
- Department of Health Science and Biostatistics, Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew Pipingas
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew Scholey
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Nutrition Dietetics and Food, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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Lee MF, Eather R, Best T. Plant-based dietary quality and depressive symptoms in Australian vegans and vegetarians: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Nutr Prev Health 2021; 4:479-486. [PMID: 35028517 PMCID: PMC8718860 DOI: 10.1136/bmjnph-2021-000332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Plant-based dietary patterns (vegan and vegetarian) are often considered 'healthy' and have been associated with broad health benefits, including decreased risk of obesity and ill health (cardiovascular disease, blood glucose and type II diabetes). However, the association between plant-based diets and mood disorders such as depression remains largely equivocal. This cross-sectional study of 219 adults aged 18-44 (M=31.22, SD=7.40) explored the associations between an estimate of overall plant-based diet quality and depression in vegans (n=165) and vegetarians (n=54). Overall plant-based diet quality was associated with depressive symptoms in vegans and vegetarians F(1, 215)=13.71, p<0.001 accounting for 6% of the variation in depressive symptoms. For those without depression, higher diet quality was protective against depressive symptoms F(1, 125)=6.49, p=0.012. Conversely, for those with depression no association with diet quality was found F(1, 89)=0.01, p=0.963. These findings suggest that a high-quality plant-based diet may be protective against depressive symptoms in vegans and vegetarians. In line with emerging research between food and mental health, higher-quality dietary patterns are associated with a reduced risk of depressive symptoms. Given the rapidly increasing rate of vegan and vegetarian food products within Australia, understanding the potential mechanisms of effects through which a plant-based diet may influence depressive symptoms is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Frances Lee
- Faculty of Society and Design, Bond University, Robina, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ryan Eather
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, NeuroHealth Lab, Appleton Institute, Central Queensland University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Talitha Best
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, NeuroHealth Lab, Appleton Institute, Central Queensland University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Ramadan MM, El‐Said MM, El‐Messery TM, Mohamed RS. Development of flavored yoghurt fortified with microcapsules of triple omega 3‐ 6‐ 9 for preventing neurotoxicity induced by aluminum chloride in rats. J FOOD PROCESS PRES 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/jfpp.15759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Manal M. Ramadan
- Chemistry of Flavour and Aroma Department National Research Centre Cairo Egypt
| | | | | | - Rasha S. Mohamed
- Nutrition and Food Sciences Department National Research Centre Cairo Egypt
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Gauci S, Young LM, Arnoldy L, Lassemillante AC, Scholey A, Pipingas A. Dietary patterns in middle age: effects on concurrent neurocognition and risk of age-related cognitive decline. Nutr Rev 2021; 80:1129-1159. [PMID: 34392373 PMCID: PMC8990759 DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuab047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Context Diet plays a critical role in cognitive integrity and decline in older adults. However, little is known about the relationship between diet and cognitive integrity in middle age. Objective To investigate the relationship between dietary patterns in healthy middle-aged adults and neurocognition both in middle age and later in life. Data Sources Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, the following electronic databases were searched: Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and PsychInfo. Data Extraction Data from eligible articles was extracted by 2 reviewers. Data Analysis Articles included in the systematic review were synthesized (based on the synthesis without meta-analysis reporting guidelines) and assessed for quality (using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and cross-sectional studies) by 2 reviewers. Results Of 1558 studies identified, 34 met the eligibility criteria for inclusion. These comprised 9 cross-sectional studies, 23 longitudinal or prospective cohort studies, and 2 randomized controlled trials. Findings were mixed, with some studies reporting a significant positive relationship between adherence to various “healthy” dietary patterns and neurocognition, but others reporting no such relationship. Conclusion This systematic review demonstrated that adherence to the Mediterranean diet and other healthy dietary patterns in middle age can protect neurocognition later in life. Systematic Review Registration PROSPERO registration no. CRD42020153179.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Gauci
- the Centre of Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University, Melbourne, Australia
- S. Gauci, Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Mail H24, Swinburne University of Technology, PO Box 218, Hawthorn VIC 3122, Australia. E-mail:
| | - Lauren M Young
- the Centre of Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University, Melbourne, Australia
- IMPACT—the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Food and Mood Centre, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - Lizanne Arnoldy
- the Centre of Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Annie-Claude Lassemillante
- Department of Health and Medical Sciences and the Department of Health Professions, Swinburne University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Andrew Scholey
- the Centre of Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University, Melbourne, Australia
- Nutrition Dietetics and Food, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Andrew Pipingas
- the Centre of Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University, Melbourne, Australia
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Young LM, Gauci S, Scholey A, White DJ, Pipingas A. Self-Selection Bias: An Essential Design Consideration for Nutrition Trials in Healthy Populations. Front Nutr 2020; 7:587983. [PMID: 33240921 PMCID: PMC7683507 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2020.587983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Many researchers have identified the issue of self-selection bias hindering the ability to detect nutrient effects in healthy populations. However, it appears that no effort has been made to mitigate this potential design flaw. By recruiting individuals on the basis of pre-trial dietary intake, the Memory and Attention Supplementation Trial aimed to capture a cohort of participants with a wide variety of dietary intake, thus increasing the likelihood of a diverse range of nutrient status. This perspective specifically examines the profile of these trial volunteers and in doing so, we present the first empirical evidence of self-selection bias when recruiting healthy volunteers for a randomized controlled trial of a nutrient-based supplement. These findings support the anecdotal proposal that traditional recruitment methods inherently attract trial volunteers who are vastly unrepresentative of the population and threatens the generalizability of this field of research. Alternative approaches to recruitment, including a-priori screening for baseline diet quality and nutrient status, are discussed as essential design recommendations to ensure accurate interpretation of nutrient effects within the context of baseline participant characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Young
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
| | - Sarah Gauci
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew Scholey
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
| | - David J White
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew Pipingas
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
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