Longitudinal study reveals slower cognitive decline with higher dietary carotenoid intake in older adults, suggesting protective effects against brain aging.
Key Points
To evaluate the prospective association between dietary intake of total and specific carotenoids and the rate of cognitive decline in middle-aged and older adults.
Analyzed 4,043 participants aged 55 years and older from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (1997–2006).
Dietary intakes of total carotenoids, α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, and lutein + zeaxanthin were estimated using 3-day 24-hour dietary recalls.
Cognitive function was repeatedly assessed using the modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status and evaluated with linear mixed-effects models.
Participants in the highest quintile of total carotenoid intake had significantly slower annual cognitive decline compared to the lowest quintile (median 37.0 vs. 3.1 mg/day; difference = 0.018, 95% CI: 0.001–0.035, p-trend = 0.037), with the greatest protection at moderate intake in quintile 4 (median 23.5 mg/day; β = 0.028, 95% CI: 0.011–0.046, p-quadratic = 0.030).