Systematic Review on the Potential Effect of Berry Intake in the Cognitive Functions of Healthy People

Abstract

The increase in life expectancy poses health challenges, such as increasing the impairment of cognitive functions. Berries show a neuroprotective effect thanks to flavonoids, able to reduce neuroinflammatory and to increase neuronal connections. The aim of this systematic review is to explore the impact of berries supplementation on cognitive function in healthy adults and the elderly. Twelve studies were included for a total of 399 participants, aged 18–81 years (mean age: 41.8 ± 4.7 years). Six studies involved young adults (23.9 ± 3.7 years), and four studies involved the elderly (60.6 ± 6.4 years). Most studies investigated effects of a single berry product, but one used a mixture of 4 berries. Non-significant differences were detected across cognition domains and methodologies, but significant and positive effects were found for all cognitive domains (attention and concentration, executive functioning, memory, motor skills and construction, and processing speed), and in most cases they were present in more than one study and detected using different methodologies. Although some limitations should be taken into account to explain these results, the positive findings across studies and methodologies elicit further studies on this topic, to endorse the consumption of berries in healthy populations to prevent cognitive decline.

Vegetables, fruits, and berries – a scoping review for Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023

“…These trials involve different study populations and may involve subjects with existing risk factors. The intake of berries or berry-based products may also have beneficial effects on cognitive function ( 56 , 57 ).…”

Psychosocial risk and protective factors for youth problem behavior are associated with food addiction in the Generation Z

“…The increased availability and intake of hyper-palatable foods in the last decades (1) has raised important concerns since it is considered a relevant contributor to the spreading risk of obesity and overweight in both children and adults (2,3). Indeed, large cohort longitudinal studies have found high daily consumption of ultra-processed foods to be associated with greater boosts overtime on indicators of child and adolescent adiposity (4).…”

Ultra-processed foods consumption and health-related outcomes: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

“…Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrial formulations made from modified and unmodified substances extracted from foods, which include few or no whole foods (1). These products result from intensive industrial processing and contain food additives such as preservatives, emulsifiers, flavorings, bulking agents, among others, which are used to extend the product's shelf life and improve its sensory qualities (2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7). Most UPFs are characterized by high energy density, being rich in saturated fats, refined starches, free sugars, and salt, and low in dietary fiber, proteins, and micronutrients (4,6).…”

“…Worldwide, the consumption of UPFs has experienced a rapid increase, representing more than half of the daily calories consumed in high-income countries (3,7,8). Similarly, in low-and middleincome countries, a sustained growth in the sale of these products and their contribution to energy intake is observed (4,9).…”