Dietary Flavonoids and Human Cognition: A Meta-Analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#middle-aged #humans #aged #polyphenols #cognition

Dietary Flavonoids and Human Cognition: A Meta-Analysis

Cheng et al., 2022 | Mol Nutr Food Res | Meta Analysis

Citation

Cheng Nancy, Bell Lynne, ... Williams Claire M. Dietary Flavonoids and Human Cognition: A Meta-Analysis. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2022-Nov;66(21):e2100976. doi:10.1002/mnfr.202100976

Abstract

Improving cognition is important in all age groups, from performance in school examinations to prevention of cognitive decline in later life. Dietary polyphenols, in particular flavonoids, have been examined for their benefits to cognitive outcomes. This meta-analysis evaluates the effects of dietary flavonoids on cognition across the lifespan. In January 2020 databases were searched for randomized controlled trials investigating flavonoid effects on human cognition. Eighty studies, comprising 5519 participants, were included in the final meta-analysis. The global analysis indicates dietary flavonoids induced significant benefit to cognitive performance (g = 0.148, p < 0.001), with subgroup analyses revealing that cocoa (g = 0.224, p = 0.036), ginkgo (g = 0.187, p ≤ 0.001), and berries (g = 0.149, p = 0.009) yielded the most notable improvements. Significant benefits were observed from chronic studies, in middle-aged and older adults, and with low and medium doses. The domains of long-term memory, processing speed, and mood showed sensitivity to flavonoid intervention. This meta-analysis provides evidence for the positive effects of flavonoids on cognition and highlights several moderating factors. Flavonoid-based dietary interventions therefore potentially offer a highly accessible, safe, and cost-effective treatment to help tackle the burden of cognitive decline.

Key Findings

Flavonoid-based dietary interventions therefore potentially offer a highly accessible, safe, and cost-effective treatment to help tackle the burden of cognitive decline.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 5519
Age Range See abstract
Condition mood

MeSH Terms

  • Middle Aged
  • Humans
  • Aged
  • Polyphenols
  • Cognition
  • Cognitive Dysfunction
  • Fruit
  • Flavonoids

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Meta-Analysis, Journal Article
  • Vertical: ginkgo

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09