Higher intake of certain nutrients among older adults is associated with better cognitive function: an analysis of NHANES 2011-2014.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Cross-sectional observational analysis of survey data
PubMed 38053133 · doi:10.1186/s40795-023-00802-0
What was done
Cross-sectional study analyzing NHANES 2011–2014 data from US adults aged 60 and older. Participants had reliable Day 1 dietary recall data and either valid cognitive functioning test (CFT) composite z-scores (n = 2,713) or Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) depression scores (n = 2,943). Associations between food nutrient intake/adequacy, cognitive performance quartiles, and depression were analyzed stratified by sex.
What was found
Higher intake and adequacy of multiple nutrients were positively associated with CFT composite z-scores in both males and females (p < 0.05 for all): vitamin A, vitamin E, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, folate, magnesium, potassium, zinc, vitamin K, and lutein and zeaxanthin. In females, inverse associations with depression scores were observed for vitamin A, vitamin C, magnesium, vitamin K, potassium, and dietary fiber (p < 0.05 for all). In males, no significant associations were found between nutrient intake from food and depression scores. Exact numerical effect sizes were not reported in the abstract.
Why it matters
This study highlights specific dietary micronutrients whose adequate intake correlates with better cognitive performance and mood in older adults, providing candidate nutrients for prospective interventional trials.
Limits
The cross-sectional design cannot establish causality or exclude reverse causation (e.g., cognitive decline causing poorer nutrition). Dietary intake was assessed via a single 24-hour recall, which does not reflect long-term habitual intake and is subject to recall bias. No effect sizes or confidence intervals were provided in the abstract.
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