Medical News Today (MNT)Taking a Fiber Supplement May Improve Older Adults’ Brain Function in 12 Weeks

Exploring Dietary Fiber’s Role in Cognitive Enhancement Among Older Adults

Recent research conducted by King’s College London presents a compelling link between dietary fiber supplementation and improved cognitive function in older adults. This study, published in Nature Communications, digs deep into the potential of prebiotic fiber supplements to mitigate cognitive decline, providing a new avenue for addressing age-related cognitive impairments amidst a lack of curative treatments for conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Key Points:

• Researchers from King’s College London have identified that dietary fiber supplements, specifically inulin and fructooligosaccharides (FOS), may enhance brain function in individuals over 60.
• The study involved 36 pairs of twins, with one twin receiving a fiber supplement and the other a placebo over 12 weeks, accompanied by cognitive tests and physical assessments.
• The group receiving fiber supplements demonstrated improved performance in cognitive tests, including those assessing memory and processing speed, without impacting muscle strength.
• These findings align with the gut-brain axis theory, suggesting that a healthier gut microbiome, fostered by fiber intake, can positively influence brain function.
• Although no significant changes were noted in muscle strength between the two groups, the study reinforces the link between diet and cognitive health.
• Experts call for further research, potentially integrating blood tests, to validate these findings and explore the broader implications for dietary recommendations and cognitive health strategies.
• Nutritionists emphasize the value of incorporating whole food sources of prebiotic fiber into diets, highlighting the broader nutritional benefits beyond cognitive enhancement.

“Even after reading the study, I like to say you are what you eat, but sometimes your brain is not what you eat so it’s hard to say that changing your diet is going to make you not age, have better muscles, and better cognition.”
– Dr. Clifford Segil, Neurologist, Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA

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