# Diets Rich in Antioxidant Vitamins Tied to Sharper Minds in Older Adults

*Association between dietary antioxidant quality score and cognitive function in older adults: A cross-sectional study based on NHANES 2011-2014.*

- **Evidence Level**: Preliminary
- **Publication Types**: Journal Article
- **Journal**: Medicine
- **Sample Size**: 2,713 adults aged 60 and older
- **Authors**: Xu D, Zhou W, Qiu H
- **Published**: 2026-07-17
- **Topics**: cognition, antioxidants, diet
- **DOI**: https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000049758
- **Original Source**: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42469999/

## Summary

Older adults who ate more antioxidant nutrients had far lower odds of cognitive trouble. The score was based on vitamins A, C, E, plus zinc, selenium, and magnesium from food. This is a snapshot in time, so it cannot prove the diet caused the sharper thinking.

## Practical Takeaway

This study suggests a diet rich in antioxidant vitamins and minerals may support thinking in older age.

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