Medical News Today (MNT)Mediterranean Diet May Boost Memory by Changing Gut Makeup

A recent study published in Gut Microbes Reports examines the relationship between the Mediterranean diet and cognitive function through research conducted on young rats. The investigation demonstrates potential mechanisms linking dietary choices to memory enhancement through gut microbiota modifications. The 20-week study compared rats on Mediterranean and Western diets, focusing on cognitive performance and microbiological changes.

Key Points:

• The Mediterranean diet group showed significant improvements in cognitive flexibility and spatial reference/working memory, correlating with specific changes in gut bacteria – increased Candidatus saccharimonas and decreased Bifidobacterium levels
• Study methodology included 20 rats divided between Mediterranean diet (12% protein, 45% carbohydrate, 43% fat from olive oil) and Western diet (15% protein, 50% carbohydrate, 35% fat from butter) groups, with the Mediterranean diet containing more than double the fiber content (63.4 g/kg vs 27.9 g/kg)
• Researchers documented widespread changes in gut microbiota after 14 weeks, with Mediterranean diet rats showing increases in four bacterial types and decreases in five others compared to the Western diet group
• The developmental stage of the study rats (10-30 weeks old) corresponds to human ages 8-20 years, suggesting potential cognitive benefits for children and adolescents
• WHO dietary guidelines align with study findings, recommending fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, limited sugars (<10% energy intake), healthy fats (<30% total intake), and reduced salt (<5g daily)

HCN Medical Memo
This research provides preliminary evidence for the role of gut microbiota in mediating diet-related cognitive benefits, particularly during developmental stages. Consider discussing Mediterranean dietary patterns with patients and their families as a potential strategy for supporting cognitive health.

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