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Measurement of Carotenoids in Perifovea using the Macular Pigment Reflectometer
Published on: January 29, 2020
Carotenoid-rich dietary patterns during midlife and subsequent cognitive function
Emmanuelle Kesse-Guyot1, Valentina A Andreeva1, Véronique Ducros2
1Université Paris 13, Sorbonne Paris Cité Université, UREN (Nutritional Epidemiology Research Unit), Inserm (U557), Inra (U1125), Cnam, SMBH Paris 13, 74 rue Marcel Cachin, 93017 Bobigny Cedex, France.
The British Journal of Nutrition
|October 1, 2013
Summary
A carotenoid-rich dietary pattern (CDP) is linked to better cognitive function in middle-aged adults. This diet, rich in colorful fruits and vegetables, may help preserve brain health during aging.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
Background:
- Carotenoids are investigated for their potential neuroprotective effects against brain aging.
- Previous research on specific carotenoids, like beta-carotene, has yielded inconsistent results regarding cognitive benefits.
- A comprehensive dietary pattern rich in carotenoids may offer a more consistent approach to supporting cognitive health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the longitudinal association between a carotenoid-rich dietary pattern (CDP) and cognitive performance in middle-aged adults.
- To investigate if adherence to a CDP predicts subsequent cognitive function over a 13-year period.
- To explore the relationship between dietary carotenoid intake and various domains of cognitive function.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from 2983 middle-aged adults in the SU.VI.MAX study.
- Assessed cognitive performance using six neuropsychological tests and a composite score (2007-9).
- Related cognitive data to dietary records (1994-6) and baseline plasma carotenoid concentrations, employing reduced rank regression to define CDP.
Main Results:
- A significant positive association was found between a higher CDP and a better composite cognitive score (mean difference 1.04, P=0.02).
- This association remained significant after adjusting for sociodemographic, lifestyle, and health factors.
- Specific cognitive domains, including cued recall, backward digit span, trail making, and semantic fluency, also showed significant positive associations with CDP (P<0.05).
Conclusions:
- A diet rich in carotenoids, particularly from colorful fruits and vegetables, is associated with preserved cognitive function in middle-aged adults.
- These findings suggest that a varied intake of carotenoid-rich foods may contribute to maintaining brain health throughout the aging process.
- Further research is warranted to confirm the role of such dietary patterns in preventing age-related cognitive decline.
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