Interactive Effects of Methionine and Lead Intake on Cognitive Function among Chinese Adults

Abstract

The association between methionine intake and cognitive function is inconclusive. We aimed to assess the association between methionine intake and cognitive function in Chinese adults and to explore the interaction between methionine and lead intake. Data from 4852 adults aged ≥55 years from the China Health and Nutrition Survey were used. Cognitive function was measured in 1997, 2000, 2004, and 2006. A 3-day, 24-hour recall was used to assess methionine and lead intake from different protein sources. Multivariable mixed linear regression was used in the analyses. Total methionine intake was positively correlated with cognition. There was a significant interaction between animal methionine and lead intakes. In subgroup analyses, across the quartiles of animal methionine intake, the regression coefficients (95% CI) for global cognition were 0.00, 0.57 (0.17 to 0.98), 1.18 (0.73 to 1.62), and 1.80 (1.31 to 2.29), respectively, while they were 0.00, −0.73 (−1.12 to −0.34), −0.83 (−1.26 to −0.41), and −1.72 (−2.22 to −1.22) across the quartiles of plant methionine intake, respectivelyThe association between animal methionine intake and cognition was stronger among adults with a low lead intake. In conclusion, animal methionine and plant methionine intake were positively and inversely associated with cognition, respectively. Lead intake modified the association between animal methionine intake and cognition.

Dietary methionine supplementation improves cognitive dysfunction associated with transsulfuration pathway upregulation in mouse models of subacute aging

“…17 In vivo, early supplementation with Met combined with B vitamins can prevent early stress-induced cognitive impairment. 18 The total Met intake was positively correlated with cognition in the data of 4,852 Chinese adults aged ≥ 55 years, 19 and the intake of high-quality protein sources was found to prevent cognitive de cits in older individuals. 20,21 However, whether appropriate dietary supplementation with Met can ameliorate aging-induced cognitive decline and whether the underlying mechanism is related to the alterations in the TSP remain unclear.…”