(P23-063-23) Dig in for Veggies and Fruits: Carotenoid Consumption and Cognition Scores in Older Adults

Objectives: Fruits and vegetables are rich in carotenoids, which are valuable antioxidants in cells. Fruit and vegetable intake is linked to improved cognitive function through the mechanism of oxidative stress management. While recommended intakes for carotenoids are established for prevention of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), current evidence is not strong enough for recommendations to slow cognitive decline.

The goal of this study was to determine whether high carotenoid consumption was associated with improved cognition in older adults.

Methods: Older adults (N = 18) enrolled in a 4-month nutrition education and gardening intervention completed three, 3-day food logs using a web-based app that calculated their total carotenoid intake for each day. Participants completed a cognitive assessment (MoCA) at the beginning and end of the study period. Data were downloaded and descriptive statistics obtained. Pearson’s correlation measured relationships between carotenoid consumption and MoCA scores. Independent samples t-tests were used to examine whether participants’ performance on the post-MoCA differed based on average daily total carotenoid consumption.

Results: Average daily carotenoid consumption was 2,026 ± 956 µg. Median carotenoid consumption was 1,816 µg. Both of these are lower than the recommended levels for reducing risk of ARMD and other illnesses. There was a relationship between average daily carotenoid intake and both pre- (r = 0.50, p = 0.05) and post- (r = 0.54, p = 0.02) MoCA scores. T-tests showed that at levels equal to or greater than the median intake value, post-MoCA scores differed (28 ± 2 vs 26 ± 2, p</em> = 0.02), but not pre-tests (27 ± 2 vs 26 ± 2, p = 0.24), suggesting better cognitive functioning at higher carotenoid intakes. Examining only change in MoCA score from pre- to post-test, no significant differences were observed between high-carotenoid consumers and low-carotenoid consumers (1 ± 2 vs 0 ± 3, p-value = 0.42).

Conclusions: Consuming diets rich in fruits and vegetables may contribute to increased carotenoid consumption and retained cognitive function. Longitudinal trials with larger populations are needed to determine whether increased carotenoid intake may be associated with preserved cognitive functioning during aging.

Funding Sources: N/A