Dietary pattern and brain structure among young adults

Background Environmental factors, such as nutrition, influence brain physiology and health throughout the life course. While research has focused on extremes of age spectrum, less is known about early adulthood, yet a critical period for consolidation maturation building adult behaviors. Nutrition may impact late maturational changes in post-adolescent contribute to degree reserve that minimizes risk develop dementia. We took advantage large sample young adults evaluate association dietary behavior with structure characteristics. Method This cross-sectional study included 1721 university students (18-35 years-old) from French i-Share cohort, who underwent MRI. A 12-item online Food Frequency Questionnaire was used consumption major food groups determine patterns Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Multivariable-adjusted linear regressions were estimate PCA scores (cortical thickness surface area, grey matter white volumes, diffusion parameters). Result The first component (explained variance, 17%) contrasted healthy diet (higher fruit vegetable intakes) poor fast food, sugary drink snack consumptions). In models adjusted total intracranial volume, age, sex, physical activity, body mass index, alcohol tobacco consumptions, higher score (reflecting healthier diet) associated lower gray volume (β 1 point = –0.17 [95%CI, –0.31; –0.03] cm3), various areas (Figure). Healthy also global –0.18 [–0.32; cm3). No found tensor imaging, neurite orientation dispersion density imaging metrics matter. Conclusion this adults, independent multiple potential confounders. Gray loss during post-adolescence marker maturation; thus, environmental factors emphasizing benefit maturation. Our results raise hypothesis favor hamper an assumption which deserves further investigation other populations.