Nutritional Neuroscience最新文献

{"title":"The impact of supplements on cognitive function for Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.","authors":"Yafang Li, Qi Leng, Yunyun Wang","doi":"10.1080/1028415X.2026.2703619","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/1028415X.2026.2703619","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Global aging is increasing the incidence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This network meta-analysis evaluates the effects of dietary supplements on cognitive function in AD/MCI patients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science for randomized controlled trials up to July 2024. Study quality was assessed using risk-of-bias tools, and a network meta-analysis was performed using R and STATA.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Analysis of 29 trials (<i>n</i> = 2000) demonstrated that several supplements significantly improved Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores compared to placebo. <i>Cosmos caudatus</i> increased MMSE scores (MD = 1.02, 95% CI 0.41-1.63, intervention vs placebo). In comparisons where placebo was the reference group, the following supplements were superior: plant extraction (MD = -1.54, 95% CI -1.88 to -1.19), probiotics with selenium (MD = -1.7, 95% CI -2.34 to -1.05), phosphatidylserine-100 mg (MD = -1.14, 95% CI -1.86 to -0.41), spirulina (MD = -0.68, 95% CI -1.23 to -0.13), and vitamin B (MD = -0.88, 95% CI -1.67 to -0.09). Probiotics with selenium showed the strongest effect. No supplement produced significant improvements on the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-Cog).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Specific supplements, including <i>Cosmos caudatus</i>, probiotic-selenium combinations, and plant extracts, are associated with improvements in MMSE scores among AD/MCI patients. The absence of effects on ADAS-Cog scores underscores the importance of assessment tool selection. This study provides evidence for considering nutritional interventions in cognitive support strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":19423,"journal":{"name":"Nutritional Neuroscience","volume":" ","pages":"1-19"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148579304","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Modulatory effects of hesperidin on rotenone-induced neurotoxicity in <i>Drosophila melanogaster</i>.","authors":"Iqra Subhan, Yasir Hasan Siddique","doi":"10.1080/1028415X.2026.2698673","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/1028415X.2026.2698673","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Neurodegenerative disorders are closely associated with oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis. Rotenone, a potent inhibitor of mitochondrial complex I, is widely used to model Parkinson-like pathology because it induces oxidative damage and selective loss of dopaminergic neurons. In the present study, <i>Drosophila melanogaster</i> was employed to investigate rotenone-induced neurotoxicity and to evaluate the protective potential of hesperidin, a naturally occurring flavonoid known for its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic activities. Exposure to rotenone resulted in reduced survival rates, impaired locomotion and climbing ability, elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, increased protein oxidation, and heightened caspase-3 activity, reflecting neurodegenerative changes. Notably, co-treatment with hesperidin mitigated these adverse effects by enhancing motor performance, decreasing oxidative stress markers, and suppressing apoptotic signaling. Collectively, these findings suggest that hesperidin offers significant protection against rotenone-induced neurotoxicity in <i>D. melanogaster</i>, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic candidate for neurodegenerative disorders.</p>","PeriodicalId":19423,"journal":{"name":"Nutritional Neuroscience","volume":" ","pages":"1-18"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148549803","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"S-allyl cysteine suppresses lipopolysaccharide-induced microglial inflammation accompanied by attenuation of JNK1/2 and STAT3 signaling.","authors":"Ryoji Eguchi, Ayaka Ishida, Toshiko Suzuki-Yamamoto, Isafumi Maru","doi":"10.1080/1028415X.2026.2698674","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/1028415X.2026.2698674","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>S-allyl-L-cysteine (SAC) is a garlic-derived organosulfur compound with reported anti-inflammatory properties. SAC has been detected in the brain after oral administration in animal studies, suggesting relevance to neuroinflammatory processes; however, its direct effects on nutrient-responsive glial cells remain unclear. Previous human studies suggest that SAC-enriched garlic extracts alleviate subjective mental fatigue by modulating glial inflammation.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The present study aimed to examine whether SAC directly modulates lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 1-100 ng/ml)-induced inflammatory responses in astrocyte (AWT) and microglial (MG6) cell lines.</p><p><strong>Methods and results: </strong>LPS reduced cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner in both AWT and MG6 cells, inducing apoptotic cell death in AWT cells but not in MG6 cells. SAC at physiologically relevant concentrations did not prevent LPS-induced reduction in AWT cell viability, whereas it significantly attenuated the reduction in MG6 cell viability induced by LPS at 10 ng/ml. Using the Olink Target 48 Mouse Cytokine Panel, LPS markedly increased the secretion of eight inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, including CCL5, CXCL1, CXCL2, G-CSF, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNFα, in MG6 cells. Additionally, SAC significantly suppressed LPS-induced mRNA expression of these inflammatory mediators. SAC also attenuated LPS-induced phosphorylation of JNK1/2 and STAT3, while NF-κB phosphorylation was unaffected. Furthermore, JNK-IN-8, a selective JNK inhibitor, but not STAT3 knockdown by RNA interference, significantly suppressed the LPS-induced IL-1β protein expression.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings provide insight into the cellular mechanisms by which a dietary garlic-derived compound modulates microglial inflammatory responses and support a nutritional basis for the potential neuroprotective effects of SAC.</p>","PeriodicalId":19423,"journal":{"name":"Nutritional Neuroscience","volume":" ","pages":"1-16"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148430881","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Integrated analysis of nutrition profiles and dried blood spot proteomics reveals patterns associated with autism spectrum disorder.","authors":"Hoshik Kwon, Su-In Yoon, Sooyeon Baek, Yerin Hyun, Ju Yeon Kim, Dong Hui Park, Jiyoung Yu, Jin Ah Cho, Hyo-Won Kim, Kyunggon Kim","doi":"10.1080/1028415X.2026.2684633","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/1028415X.2026.2684633","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To investigate whether dietary behavior-derived nutritional profiles and proteomic analysis of dried blood spots (DBS) could identify patterns associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 29 children with ASD (mean age, 56.0 ± 8.7 months; 23 boys) and 27 control children (mean age, 60.6 ± 9.5 months; 20 boys) participated in the study. Three-day food records were used to assess nutrient and food group intakes. Blood samples were collected as DBS. To evaluate group separation, partial least squares discriminant analysis was applied to food group data, nutrient intake, and proteomic data. Balanced accuracy (average of sensitivity and specificity) was estimated using 5-fold cross-validation (100 repeats). Candidate markers were selected based on variable importance in projection (VIP) scores, followed by pathway enrichment analysis of proteomic candidates. Tripartite relationships among candidate nutritional and proteomic markers and clinical measures (Childhood Autism Rating Scale; Aberrant Behavior Checklist; Social Responsiveness Scale; Full-Scale IQ; Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales) were explored using correlation heatmaps.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We prioritized 18 candidate nutritional markers and 10 proteomic markers. The proteins were significantly enriched in nervous system pathways. Correlation analyses revealed several tripartite relationships among nutritional markers, proteomic markers, and clinical measures, including an S100A6-(omega-6 intake or meat intake)-clinical measures relationship and an ALDH18A1-nuts/seeds intake-clinical measures relationship.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Specific combinations of nutritional profiles and DBS-derived proteomic signatures were associated with symptom severity and functional outcomes in children with ASD. Dietary intake may help interpret these molecular and clinical patterns. Future studies are necessary to elucidate these interrelationships.</p>","PeriodicalId":19423,"journal":{"name":"Nutritional Neuroscience","volume":" ","pages":"1-16"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148382437","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Molecular carriers enable precision delivery and region-specific neuroprotection by dietary DHA in the mouse brain.","authors":"Xiaochun Chen, Wei Sun, Hongliang Zhang, Yanjiao Li, Ruikun He, Zhengjiang Qian","doi":"10.1080/1028415X.2025.2608369","DOIUrl":"10.1080/1028415X.2025.2608369","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is indispensable for neurological health, yet its therapeutic potential is hampered by poor bioavailability and non-specific brain distribution. We hypothesized that co-administering DHA with specific molecular carriers - eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or phosphatidylserine (PS) - would exploit distinct cellular transport pathways to achieve region-specific brain enrichment and associated neuroprotection.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>By dietary intervention using C57BL/6J mice, we employed regional lipidomics, ELISA, and western blotting to assess brain fatty acid incorporation, neurotrophic factor levels, inflammatory signaling, and transporter expression following supplementation with DHA alone or in combination with EPA or PS.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Lipidomic analyses revealed striking, carrier-dependent spatial modulation of DHA. Co-administration with EPA enriched the cortex and striatum, while PS co-administration preferentially targeted the hippocampus and cortex. Mechanistically, both carrier-DHA complexes enhanced the expression of the key blood-brain barrier (BBB) transporter MFSD2A. Functionally, this precision delivery activated distinct neuroprotective programs. PS + DHA robustly upregulated the CREB-BDNF neurotrophic pathway, while EPA + DHA uniquely suppressed the NF-κB pathway, demonstrating potent anti-inflammatory effects. These results demonstrate that the choice of molecular carrier dictates both the spatial distribution of DHA and the nature of the ensuing neuroprotective response.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Our findings establish that dietary co-supplementation with specific lipid carriers enables precise spatial delivery of DHA by engaging specific transporters, thereby activating distinct neuroprotective programs in a region-specific manner. This work provides a mechanistic framework for a precision nutrition strategy, tailoring DHA formulations to target specific neuroanatomical and cellular vulnerabilities in neurological disorders.</p>","PeriodicalId":19423,"journal":{"name":"Nutritional Neuroscience","volume":" ","pages":"867-885"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145952522","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet and brain health: a systematic review.","authors":"Nour Batarseh, Fuad A Abdulla","doi":"10.1080/1028415X.2025.2610643","DOIUrl":"10.1080/1028415X.2025.2610643","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>By 2050, the global population aged 60+ is expected to reach two billion. As the population ages, the prevalence of neurodegenerative disorders will increase, while depression and anxiety will continue to be major causes of disability. A diet rich in antioxidants can positively impact cognitive function and protect against psychological disorders.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>to summarize the evidence of the impact of the MIND diet in reducing risks or slowing neurodegenerative and psychological diseases.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>The data were collected by searching electronic databases, including PubMed and Science Direct, until September 2023. The search terms included 'Alzheimer's, Anxiety, Brain Health, Cognitive Decline, Dementia, Depression, Parkinson's, MIND diet, and psychological disorders.' Peer-reviewed studies conducted on individuals aged 18 or older were included. 135 papers were identified and reviewed. 26 full-text, relevant original articles were included.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study analyzed a sample of 37 to 16,058 participants, ages 20-97. Among the identified studies, 6 RCTs, 11 cross-sectional studies, and 9 longitudinal studies were analyzed. The results indicate that adherence to the MIND diet slows cognitive decline and positively influences cognitive function and verbal memory in later life, reducing the risk of developing Parkinsonism, non-motor symptoms, depressive symptoms, and lowering stress levels.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our systematic review implies that the MIND diet can enhance cognitive health and is highly beneficial for mitigating risks of dementia, physiological diseases, anxiety, and depression due to its superior antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. However, further research is required to evaluate its long-term effects on health.</p>","PeriodicalId":19423,"journal":{"name":"Nutritional Neuroscience","volume":" ","pages":"909-934"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145952544","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of saffron on depression, anxiety and mood disorder: a GRADE assessed systematic review and meta-analysis of 34 randomized controlled trials.","authors":"Roya Mahmoudi, Mohsen Mohammadi-Sartang, Karo Servatyari, Nastaran Rafieipour","doi":"10.1080/1028415X.2025.2602153","DOIUrl":"10.1080/1028415X.2025.2602153","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This study presents a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the effects of <i>Crocus sativus L.</i> (saffron) supplementation on anxiety, depression, and mood disorders in adults. Given the inconsistent findings of prior clinical trials, the authors synthesized evidence from randomized, placebo-controlled trials to clarify saffron's overall efficacy on mental health outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, with comprehensive searches of SCOPUS, PubMed, and Web of Science up to July 2025. Eligible studies included adult participants and interventions lasting at least four weeks, with saffron as the sole difference between intervention and control groups. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane tools, and the certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE framework. Pooled effects were calculated as WMDs with 95%CI, and heterogeneity was explored through subgroup and meta-regression analyses.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 34 RCTs comprising 1769 participants were included. Saffron supplementation significantly reduced scores on BDI (14 trials; 817 participants; WMD = -4.39, 95% CI: -6.64 to -2.15, <i>p</i> < 0.001, I2 = 92.3%) and the BAI (6 trials; 339 participants; WMD = -5.06, 95% CI: -8.44 to -1.68, <i>p</i> = 0.003, I2 = 94.8%). No significant effects were observed for the HDRS, HARS, or POMS. The certainty of evidence was rated as moderate according to the GRADE Working Group criteria.In conclusion, the findings suggest that saffron supplementation may be an effective complementary intervention for reducing self-reported depressive and anxiety symptoms in adults. Lack of clinician-rated effects underscores need for high-quality trials.</p>","PeriodicalId":19423,"journal":{"name":"Nutritional Neuroscience","volume":" ","pages":"816-837"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146202287","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The relationship between intuitive eating, Mediterranean diet compliance, and obesity: a cross-sectional based on a structural equation study.","authors":"Sevinç Eşer Durmaz, Çiler Özenir, Fatma Nişanci Kilinç, Biriz Çakir, Aylin Bayindir Gümüş, Murat Açik","doi":"10.1080/1028415X.2025.2603543","DOIUrl":"10.1080/1028415X.2025.2603543","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This research was aimed at determining the relationship between compliance with the Mediterranean diet, intuitive eating, and obesity.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>This cross-sectional study involved 5240 adults aged 20 to 64 years, from whom data on sociodemographic characteristics, consumption habits, intuitive eating, and anthropometric measurements were collected via an online survey designed using Google Forms. The Intuitive Eating Scale (IES-2) and Mediterranean Diet Adaptation Screener (MEDAS) were also administered to the participants.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Their scores on all the IES-2 and MEDAS subscales were negatively correlated with their body mass indices (BMIs). Of the IES-2 subscales, only reliance on hunger and satiety cues (RHSC) was positively related to the MEDAS scores. The IES-2 subscales RHSC and unconditional permission to eat as well as the MEDAS scores were strong determinants of BMI. The relationship between intuitive eating and BMI was stronger than that between the MEDAS scores and BMI. Intuitive eating and compliance with the Mediterranean diet can positively affect an individual's consumption habits and BMI, ultimately resulting in weight loss, the regulation of body weight, and improved health.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>These cross-sectional findings suggest a potential mechanism that may partially explain the association between Mediterranean diet adherence, intuitive eating and obesity. However, these results should be interpreted with caution as they do not establish a causal relationship. Randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm this relationship.</p>","PeriodicalId":19423,"journal":{"name":"Nutritional Neuroscience","volume":" ","pages":"838-848"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145768770","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring the impact of food restriction on cognitive and psychological behaviors in young mice: insights on biochemical, molecular, and histologic analysis of the hippocampus.","authors":"Sahreh Shabani, Reza Rafieian, Mehrdad Shahrani, Maryam Anjomshoa, Elham Bijad, Elham Asadi, Hossein Amini-Khoei, Sadegh Moradi Vastegani","doi":"10.1080/1028415X.2025.2610650","DOIUrl":"10.1080/1028415X.2025.2610650","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Nutrition is crucial for mental well-being and enhancing cognitive performance. Food restriction (FR), a moderate reduction in food intake, results in multiple effects on brain function. Most studies of FR have been conducted on adult animals rather than young ones. This study examines the acute effect of early-onset FR, starting at four-week age, on behavioral performance, molecular changes, and histological changes. Young mice were randomly assigned to four experimental groups: Control-1, Control-2, FR1, and FR2 groups. The control groups had free access to food, while the FR1 and FR2 groups experienced food deprivation for 12 h each day (7 pm to 7 am) over periods of 30 and 60 days, respectively. The average body weight of the mice was measured at the start and end of the study. The exploratory action, anxiety-like behaviors, and passive avoidance memory were evaluated using open field, elevated plus maze, and shuttle box devices. Histologic changes were assessed using H&E staining. The antioxidant capacity and alterations in gene expressions (BDNF and Inflammatory markers) were estimated in the hippocampus using FRAP methods and qRT-PCR, respectively. In young mice, 12-hour daily restricted feeding negatively affects cognitive, psychological, and exploratory behaviors. FR leads to a drop in antioxidant capacity, histological changes in the CA1 and CA3 regions, increased expression of inflammatory genes, and reduced BDNF expression. In summary, our outcome indicates that FR worsens brain oxidative stress, promotes inflammation in the brain, and eventually damages hippocampal neurons in young mice.</p>","PeriodicalId":19423,"journal":{"name":"Nutritional Neuroscience","volume":" ","pages":"935-947"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145934560","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Association between ultra-processed food intake, depression risk and quality of life in community-dwelling older adults.","authors":"Jamal Hallajzadeh, Parasto Yousefi Tanha, Arian Azadnia, Alexei Wong, Sajjad Moradi","doi":"10.1080/1028415X.2026.2695160","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/1028415X.2026.2695160","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> This investigation aimed to evaluate the relationship between ultra-processed foods (UPFs) intake and indicators of depression and quality of life (QoL) in community-dwelling older adults.<b>Methods:</b> In this community-based cross-sectional study, 368 community-dwelling older adults (mean age 67.11 ± 6.21 years; 55.2% women) were recruited from local health centers. Body composition was measured using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer and physical activity was evaluated with a validated short-form questionnaire. Dietary intake was captured through a self-administered 147-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, with UPFs classified according to the NOVA system and categorized into tertiles.<b>Results:</b> A clear, stepwise increase in depression prevalence was observed across ascending tertiles of UPFs intake (<i>P</i> < 0.001). After multivariable adjustment, higher UPFs intake remained significantly associated with greater odds of depression in the overall population (T2 vs. T1: OR = 2.13; 95% CI, 1.43-3.17; <i>P</i> < 0.001 and T3 vs. T1: OR = 1.50; 95% CI, 1.01-2.22; <i>P</i> = 0.041). Sex-stratified analyses revealed that these associations were significant among women (T2 vs. T1: OR = 3.27; 95% CI, 1.85-5.77; <i>P</i> < 0.001 and T3 vs. T1: OR = 2.10; 95% CI, 1.22-3.59; <i>P</i> = 0.007), whereas no significant associations emerged in men. In contrast, UPFs intake was not significantly associated with low QoL.<b>Conclusion:</b> Higher UPF intake is significantly associated with an elevated prevalence of depression among community-dwelling older adults, with women appearing particularly susceptible. Further longitudinal studies are warranted to clarify causal pathways.</p>","PeriodicalId":19423,"journal":{"name":"Nutritional Neuroscience","volume":" ","pages":"1-12"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148369127","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}