Unsaturated Fatty Acid Intakes During Midlife Are Positively Associated with Later Cognitive Function in Older Adults with Modulating Effects of Antioxidant Supplementation.

Year Published: 2018

J Nutr

Assmann KE, Adjibade M, Hercberg S, Galan P, Kesse-Guyot E

The aim of this study was to explore the association between intakes of unsaturated fatty acids at midlife and cognitive performance 13 y later in French adults. Investigators utilized dietary information from 3,362 participants in the Supplementation with Antioxidant Vitamins and Minerals (SU.VI.MAX) study to evaluate fatty acid intake. Peanuts are rich in unsaturated fatty acids, particularly linoleic acid (the main omega-6 in peanuts) and oleic acid (MUFA).

Key Findings: Total MUFAs, total PUFAs, and omega 6 PUFAs were positively associated with overall cognitive functioning. Increased linoleic acid intake was independenty associated with higher cognitive scores, even after adjustment of overall dietary patterns.