Effects of Cocoa-Derived Polyphenols on Cognitive Function in Humans. Systematic Review and Analysis of Methodological Aspects

Barrera-Reyes, Paloma K; Lara, Josué Cortés-Fernández de; Gonzalez-Soto, Melissa; Tejero, M. Elizabeth

doi:10.1007/s11130-019-00779-x

Cited by 44 publications

(45 citation statements)

References 70 publications

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“…Previous research has demonstrated that different purified polyphenols such as resveratrol, curcumin, anthocyanin, ferulic acid, catechin and epicatechin were able to prevent cognitive decline in experimental animal models of aging and degenerative diseases (6)(7)(8)(9)(10). A plethora of observational and intervention studies observed a positive correlation between cognitive decline and the supplementation of different products rich in polyphenols like cocoa, berries, green tea and grape (11)(12)(13)(14)(15)).…”

Section: Polyphenolsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The role of diet in preventing and reducing cognitive decline

Angeloni

Businaro

Vauzour

2020

Current Opinion in Psychiatry

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Purpose of Review This review summarizes the most recent evidence regarding the effects of diet in preventing and reducing age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. Recent Findings Recent evidence indicates that nutraceuticals and whole diet approaches may protect against the development of age-related cognitive decline and pathological neurodegeneration. The neuroprotective effects are diverse depending on the nutrient employed and may involve a reduction of neuroinflammation, an activation of the endogenous antioxidant defence system and a modulation of the gut microbiota structure and function.

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Section: Polyphenolsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The role of diet in preventing and reducing cognitive decline

Angeloni

Businaro

Vauzour

2020

Current Opinion in Psychiatry

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“…Furthermore, in recent years, evidences from human clinical studies have suggested that cocoa and cocoa-derived products consumption can be effective to improve general cognition and working memory, particularly among older population at risk or with cognitive decline [17,18]. Indeed, in a very recent systematic review [19], it has been indicated that memory and executive function can increase significantly after intake of intermediate doses of cocoa flavanols (CF) (500-750 mg/day). All these findings provide strong evidence supporting a potential beneficial role of cocoa to reduce cognitive decline and sustain cognitive abilities.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effect of Cocoa and Cocoa Products on Cognitive Performance in Young Adults

Goya

Pascual‐Teresa

2020

Nutrients

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Increasing evidence support a beneficial role of cocoa and cocoa products on human cognition, particularly in aging populations and patients at risk. However, thorough reviews on the efficacy of cocoa on brain processes in young adults do not exist precisely due to the limited number of studies in the matter. Thus, the aim of this study was to summarize the findings on the acute and chronic effects of cocoa administration on cognitive functions and brain health in young adults. Web of Science and PubMed databases were used to search for relevant trials. Human randomized controlled studies were selected according to PRISMA guidelines. Eleven intervention studies that involved a total of 366 participants investigating the role of cocoa on cognitive performance in children and young adults (average age ≤ 25 years old) were finally selected. Findings from individual studies confirm that acute and chronic cocoa intake have a positive effect on several cognitive outcomes. After acute consumption, these beneficial effects seem to be accompanied with an increase in cerebral blood flow or cerebral blood oxygenation. After chronic intake of cocoa flavanols in young adults, a better cognitive performance was found together with increased levels of neurotrophins. This systematic review further supports the beneficial effect of cocoa flavanols on cognitive function and neuroplasticity and indicates that such benefits are possible in early adulthood.

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“…Conversely, cocoa is a polyphenol source which has attracted relatively widespread investigation of potential cognitive benefits. A systematic review of twelve clinical trials presented a detailed overview of dose, population, treatment duration and cognitive domains affected [ 32 ]. The evidence was perhaps the most supportive seen throughout this review; eight studies reported a benefit for a behavioural outcome, and the conclusions stated that effects on cognitive function were reliably observed after consumption of 50 mg/day of epicatechin in adults aged 18–50 years.…”

Section: Reviews Of Specific Polyphenol- Rich Foods or Classesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Cochrane Tool), but positively, these largely indicated low risk of bias. However, the cocoa review [ 32 ] did express moderate concerns relating to matched controls in some studies. Interestingly, the picture from the reviews of individual polyphenol classes is slightly more positive regarding cognitive outcomes than the reviews of all polyphenol classes (see section 2), however, as summarised in Text Box 2, the evidence for a positive relationship between polyphenols and cognitive benefits is perhaps not as strong as might be anticipated.…”

Section: Reviews Of Specific Polyphenol- Rich Foods or Classesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Polyphenols and Cognition In Humans: An Overview of Current Evidence from Recent Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses

Lamport

Williams

2021

BPL

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There is increasing interest in the impact of dietary influences on the brain throughout the lifespan, ranging from improving cognitive development in children through to attenuating ageing related cognitive decline and reducing risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Polyphenols, phytochemicals naturally present in a host of fruits, vegetables, tea, cocoa and other foods, have received particular attention in this regard, and there is now a substantial body of evidence from experimental and epidemiological studies examining whether their consumption is associated with cognitive benefits. The purpose of this overview is to synthesise and evaluate the best available evidence from two sources, namely meta-analyses and systematic reviews, in order to give an accurate reflection of the current evidence base for an association between polyphenols and cognitive benefits. Four meta-analyses and thirteen systematic reviews published between 2017–2020 were included, and were categorised according to whether they reviewed specific polyphenol-rich foods and classes or all polyphenols. A requirement for inclusion was assessment of a behavioural cognitive outcome in humans. A clear and consistent theme emerged that whilst there is support for an association between polyphenol consumption and cognitive benefits, this conclusion is tentative, and by no means definitive. Considerable methodological heterogeneity was repeatedly highlighted as problematic such that the current evidence base does not support reliable conclusions relating to efficacy of specific doses, duration of treatment, or sensitivity in specific populations or certain cognitive domains. The complexity of multiple interactions between a range of direct and indirect mechanisms of action is discussed. Further research is required to strengthen the reliability of the evidence base.

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Effects of Cocoa-Derived Polyphenols on Cognitive Function in Humans. Systematic Review and Analysis of Methodological Aspects

Cited by 44 publications

References 70 publications

The role of diet in preventing and reducing cognitive decline

The role of diet in preventing and reducing cognitive decline

Effect of Cocoa and Cocoa Products on Cognitive Performance in Young Adults

Polyphenols and Cognition In Humans: An Overview of Current Evidence from Recent Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses

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