A novel NHANES analysis has found that the supplemental intake of a number of nutrients — including vitamin K and B9 (folate) is associated with improved cognition in adults older than 65.1
The data for this trial was collated from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2011 and 2014, and was conducted by Pharmavite.
The study
During the trial period, participants aged 60 years and older with valid data depicting their cognitive functioning and depression scores were examined for nutrient intake.
Researchers aimed to determine if there were any associations between the intake of such vitamins and nutrients with improved cognitive function and depression.
The study assessed the use of vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin B6, folate, lutein, zeaxanthin and several minerals.
The results
According to the study authors, the two key nutrients that prevailed as the most beneficial for cognitive health were vitamin K and folate.
They also noted that a large proportion of the population were deficient in such nutrients — which has been proven to negatively impact several aspects of health.
Owing to the negative effects of nutrient deficiency and the cost-effective strategy of vitamin supplementation, taking vitamin K2 and folate for cognitive health could significantly boost well-being and stave off the negative effects of ageing, according to the study authors.
Dr Emily Ho from the Linus Pauling Institute noted that adequate vitamin intake is only relative despite a high-quality diet; it is not absolute. This is evidenced by data from the NHANES 2003-2006 survey, which found that more than 75% of the US population don’t have adequate serum levels of vitamin K.
Folate (vitamin B9) deficiency has been linked to accelerated cognitive function decline and might serve as a marker for assessing cognitive health in older individuals. Research indicated that low serum folate levels significantly increased the risk of severe cognitive decline, with around 30% of adults aged 65 and older exhibiting insufficient folate levels.3
“Current research has illuminated the potential necessity for a personalised approach to combatting cognitive decline associated with aging, emphasising the pivotal role of nutrients in sustaining a healthy brain,” said Jean-François Jeanne, Substantiation and Applications Manager at Gnosis by Lesaffre, supply partner of Pharmavite.
“Pharmavite’s analysis illuminates how nutrient intake can impact cognitive abilities — especially Vitamin K2 and Folate — providing a powerful incentive to enhance multivitamins and other nutritional products with scientifically proven amounts of K2 and Folate, such as MenaQ7 and Quatrefolic.”
References
1 Devarshi PP, Gustofson K, Grant RW, Mitmesser SH. Higher intake of certain nutrients among older adults is
associated with better cognitive function: an analysis of NHANES 2011-2014. BMC Nutr. 2023 Dec 5;9(1):142.
Doi: 10.1186/s40795-023-00802-0.
2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpT5MzkOl5I
3 O’Connor DMA, Scarlett S, et al. Low folate predicts accelerated cognitive decline: 8-year follow-up of 3140 older adults in Ireland. Euro J Clin Nut. 2022;76,950-957.
