Food insecurity and stress are associated with cognitive function and dietary intake among college students

The co-occurring experience of food insecurity and stress may result in the over- and underconsumption of nutrients that may impact cognitive function (CF). The objective of this study was to determine if food security status (FSS) and/or stress influences domains of CF and dietary intake in a diverse population of college students. It was hypothesized that decreasing FSS and increasing levels of stress would be associated with poorer indicators of CF and dietary quality. This cross-sectional study (n = 230) included a series of computerized tasks using Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery to assess CF domains. Diet quality and nutrient intake were estimated using Diet ID. Perceived stress, FSS, and sociodemographic information were collected. Multivariable linear regression models were constructed to explore the associations between FSS and/or stress on dietary and CF outcomes.Participants experienced food insecurity (31%), moderate to high stress (84%), and clinically relevant adverse childhood experiences (19%). There was an inverse relationship between carotenoid, fiber, and protein intake with higher stress (P < .05). FSS was associated with increased sodium and protein intake (P < .05). Differences were observed in three out of five CF domains, with increasing stress associated with lower scores on the Cambridge Gambling Task and Rapid Visual Processing (P < .01) and low FSS was associated with greater time to decision-making on the Delayed Match to Sample (P < .01) and lower scores on Rapid Visual Processing (P < .05). Differences in FSS and/or higher levels of stress was associated with various domains of CF, including decision-making, impulsivity, and planning, which may provide insight into dietary behaviors in this population.