Association between dietary vitamin B1 intake and cognitive function among older adults: a cross-sectional study

J Transl Med. 2024 Feb 16;22(1):165. doi: 10.1186/s12967-024-04969-3.

Abstract

Background: This study aims to investigate the relationship between vitamin B1 intake and cognitive function in older adults.

Methods: This cross-sectional observational study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2014. A total of 2422 participants were included in the analysis, with dietary vitamin B1 intake being determined by averaging two 24-h dietary recalls. Cognitive function was assessed using three cognitive function tests: the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) for processing speed, the Animal Fluency Test (AFT) for executive function, a Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's disease (CERAD) subtest for memory. Test-specific and global cognition z score was created. Multivariate linear regression models were used to explore the association between vitamin B1 and cognitive function.

Results: 2422 participants, aged 60 years and older, were included from NHANES across two survey cycles (2011-2014). Higher vitamin B1 intake was associated with higher DSST, AFT scores (P < 0.001) as well as the global cognition z score (P = 0.008). In the fully adjusted model, as compared to the lowest quartile (Q1), the highest quartile (Q4) of vitamin B1 intake was related to higher DSST score (β = 2.23, 95% CI 0.79 ~ 3.67) and global cognition z sore (β = 0.09, 95% CI 0.02 ~ 0.16). The association between dietary vitamin B1 intake and cognitive function scores in US adults is linear. There was no detected significant statistical interaction between these variables.

Conclusions: Increased dietary intake of vitamin B1 was associated with better cognitive function in individuals aged over 60.

Keywords: Cognitive function; Cross-sectional study; NHANES; Vitamin B1 intake.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Animals
  • Cognition*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Diet*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Nutrition Surveys
  • Thiamine

Substances

  • Thiamine