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Research: WHALLEY and others,
Listed in Issue 110
Abstract
WHALLEY and others, University of Aberdeen, Department of Mental Health, Royal Cornhill Hospital, Aberdeen, United Kingdom. l.j.whalley@abdn.ac.uk, have investigated the connections between cognitive ageing, childhood intelligence, and food supplements.
Background
Food supplement use is widely promoted, but little is known about their cognitive effects. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of food supplement use on cognitive ageing.
Methodology
In this observational study of subjects born in 1936 whose mental ability was tested in 1947 and who were followed up in 2000-2001, cognition, diet, food supplement use, and risk factors for vascular disease were assessed. In a nested case-control study, fish-oil users were matched with nonusers, and cognitive function was related to erythrocyte n-3 fatty acid composition.
Results
Childhood intelligence quotient (IQ) did not differ significantly by category of food supplement use (ie, none, fish oil, vitamins, and other). At the age of 64 y, cognitive function was higher in food supplement users than in nonusers before adjustment for childhood IQ. After adjustment for childhood IQ, mental speed test scores were higher in food supplement users. Fish-oil supplement users consumed more vitamin C, vegetables and cereal fibre than did non-supplement-users. In a nested case-control study, red blood cell membrane n-3 fatty acid content was higher in fish-oil supplement users than in nonusers, but cognitive function did not differ significantly between groups. Total erythrocyte n-3 fatty acids and the ratio of docosahexaenoic acid to arachidonic acid was associated with better cognitive function in late life before and after adjustment for childhood IQ.
Conclusion
Food supplement use and erythrocyte n-3 fatty acid content are associated with better cognitive ageing. Assuming that associations with n-3 fatty acid content are causal, optimization of n-3 and n-6 fatty acid intakes could improve retention of cognitive function in old age.
References
Whalley LJ, Fox HC, Wahle KW, Starr JM, Deary IJ. Cognitive aging, childhood intelligence, and the use of food supplements: possible involvement of n-3 fatty acids. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 80 (6): 1650-1657, Dec 2004.
