Dietary antioxidant intake and cognitive performance in middle-aged adults. The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study investigators.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the cross-sectional association of dietary and supplemental antioxidant (carotenoids, vitamins C and E) intake with cognitive function in 12 187 individuals, aged 48-67 years, participating in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study.


METHODS
Dietary intake of antioxidant vitamins, as assessed by a food frequency questionnaire, and use of supplements were analysed in relation to the results of three cognitive tests, the delayed word recall test, the Wechsler adult intelligence scale, revised (WAIS-R) digit symbol subtest and the word fluency test.


RESULTS
After adjustment for covariates previously found to be associated with cognition in this sample, we found no consistent associations between dietary antioxidant vitamin intake or supplement use and any of the cognitive tests.


CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests little, if any, association between antioxidant vitamin intake and better cognitive function in middle-aged adults.
Peacock
J M
JM
Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55454-1015, USA.
Folsom
A R
AR
Knopman
D S
DS
Mosley
T H
TH
Goff
D C
DC
Szklo
M
M
D000368:Aged; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015337:Multicenter Studies as Topic; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology
D000975:Antioxidants; D014810:Vitamin E; D002338:Carotenoids; D001205:Ascorbic Acid