Microbial Phenolic Metabolites Are Associated with Improved Cognitive Health<br />

Scope: Diets rich in polyphenols has been associated with better cognitive performance. The aim of this study is to

assess the relationship between microbial phenolic metabolites (MPM) in urine and cognition in the context of an older

population at high cardiovascular risk.

Methods and results: A cross-sectional analysis is conducted in 400 individuals of the PREDIMED-Plus study. Liquid

chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry is used to identify urinaryMPM.Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) adherence

is estimated with a 17-item questionnaire and cognitive function is evaluated with a battery of neuropsychological tests.

Multivariable-adjusted linear regression models are fitted to assess the relationship of urinary MPM with the MedDiet

and cognitive tests. Protocatechuic acid and enterolactone glucuronide are associated with higher adherence to the

MedDiet. Regarding cognitive function, protocatechuic acid, vanillic acid glucuronide, 3-hydroxybenzoic acid, enterodiol

glucuronide, and enterolactone glucuronide are directly associated with a global composite score of all the cognitive tests.

Furthermore, protocatechuic acid and enterolactone glucuronide are associated with higher scores in the Mini-Mental

State Examination, whereas enterodiol glucuronide is associated with improved Clock Drawing Test scores.

Conclusions: These results suggest that the MedDiet is linked to MPM associated with better cognitive performance in

an older population.