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How Does Fasting Affect Cognition? An Updated Systematic Review (2013-2020).
Erik M Benau1, Amanda Makara2, Natalia C Orloff2
1SUNY Old Westbury, Old Westbury, NY, USA.
Current Nutrition Reports
|October 1, 2021
Summary
Temporary voluntary fasting, or abstention from eating, appears to negatively impact cognitive function in adults. While some studies suggest benefits, the overall evidence indicates cognitive deficits, with more research needed on influencing factors.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Voluntary fasting is increasingly studied for its health implications.
- Understanding its effects on cognitive function is crucial for public health and individual well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize recent literature on the impact of voluntary, temporary fasting on cognitive function in adults.
- To identify trends, limitations, and gaps in current research.
Main Methods:
- Systematic evaluation of peer-reviewed articles published between August 2013 and January 2021.
- Inclusion criteria focused on adult studies measuring cognitive function with neutral stimuli, comparing fasted to fed states.
- Nineteen articles comprising 21 studies were included, exhibiting variability in sample size, fasting protocols, and cognitive tasks.
Main Results:
- The majority of reviewed studies indicated that fasting is associated with deficits in cognitive functioning.
- A small number of studies reported potential benefits in cognitive function after a single voluntary fast.
- Significant heterogeneity across studies and a limited number of available research papers restrict definitive conclusions.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence suggests voluntary fasting may impair cognitive function, though findings are not entirely consistent.
- The heterogeneity and scarcity of studies highlight the need for more rigorous research.
- Future research should explore psychosocial and sociodemographic moderators influencing the fasting-cognition relationship.
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