Estimated Phytate Intake Is Associated with Improved Cognitive Function in the Elderly, NHANES 2013-2014.

Doreen Y Larvie,Seth M Armah

doi:10.3390/antiox10071104

Doreen Y Larvie, Seth M Armah

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox10071104

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Journal: Antioxidants	Publication Date: Jul 10, 2021
Citations: 12	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Abstract

Phytate, an antioxidant, may improve cognition by inhibiting iron catalyzed hydroxyl radical formation. Particularly in the elderly, this provides a potential dietary approach for mitigating age-related brain neuronal dysfunction and loss. In this study, we investigated the relationship between phytate intake and cognitive function in the elderly. We used data from the 2013–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and the corresponding Food Patterns Equivalents Database (FPED). Phytate content of food groups from published data were merged with the appropriate FPED data to estimate the total phytate intake for each subject. Principal component analysis was used to develop a composite score from four cognitive function scores in NHANES data, and regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between this score and phytate intake. Median phytate intake was 0.65 (0.61, 0.71) g/day. It was low among females, non-Hispanic blacks, and people with history of at least one chronic disease (p < 0.05). In regression analysis adjusted for confounders, phytate intake was positively associated with cognitive function (β (95% CI) = 1.90 (0.73–3.07); p = 0.015). These results suggest that phytate may be associated with improved cognition, hence the need to consider including phytate-rich foods in the diet among the elderly.

Highlights

Cognition encompasses a spectrum of higher order cerebral function from normal to subjective complaints to evidence of decline in cerebral function to dementia [1]
Principal component analysis was used to develop a composite score from four cognitive function scores in National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data, and regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between this score and phytate intake
In regression analysis adjusted for confounders, phytate intake was positively associated with cognitive function (β = 1.90 (0.73–3.07); p = 0.015)

Summary

Introduction

Cognition encompasses a spectrum of higher order cerebral function from normal to subjective complaints to evidence of decline in cerebral function to dementia [1]. Cognitive decline in aging is multifaceted [4] and is attributed to factors such as impaired calcium homeostasis, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative damage and inflammation and increased susceptibility to stress leading to epigenetic modifications that affect learning, memory and synaptic processes in the brain [5]. Inadequate intake of certain food groups including fruits, vegetables, cereals, and grains, as well as nutrients such as zinc, selenium, copper, fiber, and some vitamins have been linked with cognitive decline [6,7]. In addition to nutrients and food groups, phytochemicals such as phytates and some polyphenols are potential agents for improving cognitive health in aging due to their anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties [8]

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