May A. Beydoun, PhD, MPH of the National Institute on Aging of the NIH in Bethesda, Maryland and associates published a study on blood antioxidant levels, food consumed and the risk of developing dementia as you aged. The study hoped to determine which foods were best to eat to limit your chances of developing cognitive impairment in later years. The researchers discovered that those individuals with the highest serum levels of lutein+ zeaxanthin and beta-cryptoxanthin at baseline were less likely to develop dementia decades later than their peers with lower levels of these protective antioxidants.
Lutein and zeaxanthin are found in green leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach, broccoli, and peas. Beta -cryptoxanthin is found in fruits such as oranges, papaya, tangerines, and persimmons. “Antioxidants may help protect the brain form oxidative stress, which can cause cell damage,” said lead author Dr. Beydoun.
The study, published in the journal Neurology analyzed 7,283 participants in the 3rd National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey who were at least 45 years old at the start of the study and were then followed for 16-17 years. The data showed the higher the serum levels of beta-cryptoxanthin at baseline the lower the risk of developing dementia. No such protection was found for lycopene, alpha-carotene, beta carotene or Vitamins A, C, or E.
This was an observational study looking at data already collected. In critiquing the study, Dr B. Hooshmand, MD, PhD and Milia Kiviipelto, MD, PhD of the Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden commented on the research noting that this was an observational study and previous studies supplementing individuals with antioxidants were disappointing and did not prevent development of cognitive dysfunction. They believe there is a more complex relationship between the foods we eat, antioxidants, socioeconomic status and lifestyle which all contribute to the development of dementia.
While there is work to be done in this field, this study certainly supported my love for a fresh orange or tangerine to start off the day. The accompanying editorial made it clear that consuming my antioxidants and vitamins in fresh fruit and produce seems to be healthier than depending on store purchased supplements.
Filed under: Baby Boomers, Best Doctor, Board Certified, Boca Raton, Broward County, Concierge Medicine, Concierge Physician, Dementia, Elderly, Florida, Geriatrics, Internal Medicine, National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institutes on Aging, Senior Citizens, South Palm Beach County | Tagged: 3rd National Health & Nutrition Examination Survey, Antioxidants, Lutein, Zeaxanthin | Leave a comment »