Trans-fat consumption linked to memory declines in adults

"Foods have different effects on oxidative stress and cell energy,"​ explained Professor Beatrice Golomb from the University of California-San Diego, who led the research.

“In a previous study, we found chocolate, which is rich in antioxidants and positively impacts cell energy, is linked to better word memory in young to middle-aged adults. In this study, we looked at whether trans fats, which are pro-oxidant and linked adversely to cell energy, might show the opposite effect. And they did."​

The research analysed data from approximately 1,000 healthy men – finding that those who consumed the most trans-fat showed notably worse performance on a word memory test.

Study details​

Golomb and her colleagues studied adults who had not been diagnosed with heart disease, including men aged 20 or older and postmenopausal women.

Participants completed a dietary questionnaire, from which the researchers estimated participants' trans-fat consumption. To assess memory, they then presented the participants with a series of 104 cards showing words. Participants had to state whether each word was new or a word duplicated from a prior card.

Among men under the age of 45, those who ate more trans-fat showed notably worse performance on the word memory test, said the team – adding that the strength of the association remained even after taking into consideration things like age, education, ethnicity and depression.

Indeed, each additional gram a day of trans-fat consumed was associated with an estimated 0.76 fewer words correctly recalled.

For those eating the highest amounts of trans-fat, this translated to an estimated 11 fewer words remembered (more than a 10% reduction), compared to adults who ate the least trans-fat.

"Trans fats were most strongly linked to worse memory, in young and middle-aged men, during their working and career-building years,"​ said Golomb.

"From a health standpoint, trans fat consumption has been linked to higher body weight, more aggression and heart disease,”​ she added. “As I tell patients, while trans fats increase the shelf life of foods, they reduce the shelf life of people."​

Golomb noted that further research in younger women is needed to determine whether the effects extend to this group.

Source: American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2014​
Abstract 15572​
“Trans Fat Consumption is Adversely Linked to Memory in Working-Age Adults”​
Authors: Beatrice Golomb, Alexis Bui