Nutrients common in the Mediterranean diet may promote healthy brain aging; novel study of nutrients in blood plasma, cognitive tests, and brain imaging

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A recent correlational study published in Nature: npj Aging identified 13 nutrients that “may promote healthy brain aging.” Rather than using the typical approach of dietary questionnaires, researchers Christopher Zwilling and colleagues identified nutrients in blood plasma and then correlated nutrition profiles with brain aging as measured by imaging and cognitive tests. The 13 nutrients the researchers found, including fatty acids, antioxidants, carotenoids, and vitamins, are commonly found in the Mediterranean diet in foods such as fish, nuts, oils, and leafy greens. 

Based on the results of the cognitive tests and brain imaging measures, the researchers categorized 100 caucasian adults, aged 65 to 75, as having either “accelerated brain aging” or “delayed brain aging.” The researchers then took plasma samples for each participant and measured the concentrations of various nutrient biomarkers associated with good brain health. 

The 13 key nutrients the researchers identified were found in higher concentrations for those in the delayed brain aging group than those in the accelerated brain aging group. These differences could not be explained by participant demographics, fitness levels, or bodily measures (weight, height, hip and waist circumference). 

Research using randomized controlled trials is needed in order to determine whether these nutrients indeed lead to better brain health. Additionally, future research should work with non-white populations to make results more generalizable, and researchers should seek to better understand the mechanisms through which these nutrients impact the brain.