Tea Consumption Is Associated with Reduced Cognitive Decline and Interacts with Iron Intake: A Population-Based...

Previous studies suggest a positive effect of tea intake on cognition. Additional micronutrients that may moderate this association was not previously examined.

To examine the association between tea consumption and cognition and explore the interaction between tea consumption and iron intake.

Data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey between 1997 and 2011 was used. 4,820 individuals (≥55 years) were included in the analyses. Measurement of cognitive function was conducted in 1997, 2000, 2004, and 2006. Tea consumption was self-reported. Food intake was assessed by 24-hour dietary recalls of three consecutive days during home visits between 1997 and 2011. Multivariable mixed linear regression and logistic regression was used to assess the association.

Tea consumption was associated with reduced global cognitive function decline. In fully adjusted models, regression coefficients (95% CIs) for those who consumed 0 cups/day,<2 cups/day, 2-3.9 cups/day, and≥4 cups/day of tea were 0, -0.09 (-0.55-0.37), 0.05 (-0.34-0.45), and 0.87 (0.46-1.29), respectively. This effect was stronger in adults > 60 years. Tea consumption of≥4 cups/day was inversely associated with self-reported poor memory (OR 0.70 (95% CI 0.56-0.86)) and memory decline (OR, 0.73 (95% CI 0.62-0.87)). There was a significant interaction between tea consumption and iron intake in relation to cognition. High iron intake was inversely associated with cognition in non-consumers of tea but not in tea consumers.

Higher tea intake is associated with reduced cognitive decline in adults and inhibits the adverse effect of high iron intake.