Mediterranean Diet Boosts Memory by Altering Gut Bacteria

Recent research from Tulane University has shown that the Mediterranean diet may improve memory and cognitive function by altering gut bacteria, based on a study conducted on rats.

While the results seem encouraging for young adults, further human trials are needed to confirm these findings.

The Impact of Diet on Gut Microbiome

The study, featured in Gut Microbes Reports, reveals that people who follow a Mediterranean diet have different gut microbiome compositions compared to those who maintain a typical Western diet.

These changes in gut bacteria are associated with improvements in cognitive abilities and memory.

The lead researcher, Dr. Rebecca Solch-Ottaiano, emphasized the evolving understanding of how diet impacts brain health and the need to explore underlying mechanisms.

The data supports the idea that dietary choices can influence cognitive functions through modifications in the gut microbiome.

Study Findings on Rats

In the study, rats fed a Mediterranean diet enriched with olive oil, fish, and fiber over 14 weeks showed an increase in four beneficial types of gut bacteria and a decrease in five when compared to rats consuming a Western diet high in saturated fats.

These alterations in gut microbiota correlated with enhanced performance in maze tests designed to assess memory and learning skills.

A notable finding was the positive association between elevated levels of Candidatus Saccharimonas and improved cognitive function.

In contrast, higher levels of Bifidobacterium were linked to poorer memory performance.

The rats on the Mediterranean diet also displayed better cognitive flexibility and working memory while maintaining lower levels of harmful LDL cholesterol.

Future Research and Dietary Recommendations

This research is the first to investigate the effects of the Mediterranean diet on gut microbiota and cognitive outcomes versus the Western diet, using a rodent model.

The young rats used in the study were akin to human adolescents, highlighting the relevance to crucial developmental stages.

The dietary patterns reflected typical human eating habits, showcasing the advantages of the Mediterranean diet for cognitive flexibility, memory, and overall gut health.

This suggests it may provide benefits for young adults during essential growth periods.

Dr. Demetrius M. Maraganore, the study’s lead author, noted that adopting a Mediterranean dietary pattern could potentially enhance academic performance in teenagers and productivity in young adults.

Although based on animal models, these findings align with prior human studies suggesting a connection between the Mediterranean diet, memory enhancement, and reduced risk of dementia.

Researchers emphasized the need for larger human studies to validate these initial findings and to explore further the complex relationships between diet, gut microbiome composition, and brain function among younger populations.

For those interested in adopting a Mediterranean dietary approach, key components include using olive oil as the primary fat source, focusing on a variety of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, incorporating fish and lean proteins, limiting red meat and saturated fat, and consuming a high intake of fiber from diverse plant sources.

Study Details:

• Title: Comparison between two divergent diets, Mediterranean and Western, on gut microbiota and cognitive function in young sprague dawley rats
• Authors: Rebecca J. Solch-Ottaiano, Elizabeth B. Engler-Chiurazzi, Colin Harper, Savannah Wasson, Sharon Ogbonna, Blake Ouvrier, Hanyun Wang, Madison Prats, Katherine McDonald, Ifechukwude J. Biose, Lori A. Rowe, MaryJane Jones, Chad Steele, Gregory Bix, and Demetrius M. Maraganore
• Journal: Gut Microbes Reports
• Publication Date: December 18, 2024
• DOI: 10.1080/29933935.2024.2439490