Mediterranean diet improves metabolic flexibility in seniors

A 24-week study conducted by researchers from the Biomedical Research Network (CIBER) suggests that the Mediterranean diet can improve metabolic flexibility and cognitive performance in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Led by Cristina Andrés-Lacueva of the University of Barcelona and Pablo Pérez-Martínez of the Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute, the research analyzed plasma samples from individuals over 60. The findings showed that the Mediterranean diet—with or without probiotic supplementation—increased the production of ketone bodies, such as acetoacetic acid, and boosted intermediates of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, including pyruvate and lactate.

These metabolic shifts indicate an enhanced ability for the body to efficiently switch between different energy sources based on nutrient availability. Notably, these benefits were not observed in participants following a low-fat diet recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). The study also identified an association between specific metabolic changes, such as those related to branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) metabolism, and improvements in various cognitive domains.