Role of fruit and vegetables in sustaining healthy cognitive function: evidence and issues

Abstract

Modifiable lifestyle factors, such as improved nutrition, are crucial in maintaining cognitive health in older age. Fruit and vegetables represent healthy and sustainable sources of nutrients with the potential to prevent age-related cognitive decline. The aim of this review is to synthesise the available evidence, from epidemiological and randomised controlled trials (RCT), regarding the role of fruit and vegetables in sustaining healthy cognitive function. Epidemiological studies of combined fruit and vegetable intake suggest that increased consumption may sustain cognition in later life. The evidence appears to be stronger for an association between vegetables and cognition, particularly for green leafy and cruciferous vegetables. Specific benefits shown for berries, citrus fruits, avocado and nuts suggest fruit is worthy of further investigation in relation to cognition. Data from RCT indicate benefits to differing aspects of cognition following citrus and berry fruits, cocoa and peanuts, but the data are limited and there are a lack of studies exploring effects of vegetables. There is growing evidence for an association between fruit and vegetable intake and cognitive function, but this is not always consistent and the data from RCT are limited. Issues in previous research are highlighted, such as strict exclusion criteria, absence of baseline nutritional status data and lack of consideration of individual differences, which may explain the weaker findings from RCT. Inclusion of those most at risk for cognitive decline is recommended in future nutrition and cognition research.

Association of vitamin B1 intake with geriatric cognitive function: An analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2011 to 2014

“…Several dietary nutrition components from the diet have been shown to have either protective or detrimental effects on cognitive function [ [17] , [18] , [19] ]. Vitamin B1 (VB1) plays an impressive role in neuropathology [ [20] , [21] , [22] , [23] ].…”