Indication: Cognitive function (in menopausal women)

Source: J Nutr, May 2005;135(5):1190-5.

Research: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the dietary intake of phytoestrogens and cognitive function in healthy postmenopausal women consuming a Western diet. Researchers conducted a community-based survey among 394 postmenopausal women. Isoflavone and lignan intake was calculated from a validated food frequency questionnaire. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).

Results: After adjustment for confounders, increasing dietary lignans intake was associated with better performance on the MMSE. Results were most pronounced in women who were 20-30 years postmenopausal. Isoflavone intake was not related to cognitive function. Researchers concluded that higher dietary intake of lignans is associated with better cognitive function in postmenopausal women.