Pistachio consumption is associated with some neurocognitive markers in adults - A cross-sectional study

Author(s): Kristin Fulgoni, Victor L. Fulgoni III

Pistachios are a widely consumed healthy and nutrient rich snack. We hypothesized that pistachio, as a source of important nutrients, would be beneficially associated with neurocognitive health. The objective of the current study was to investigate the cross-sectional association of pistachio consumption with cognitive function in a representative sample of the adult population in the US utilizing various National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1988-1994, 1999-2018 cycles for adults age 19+ years (n=64,702). Pistachio consumers were defined as individuals who reported a pistachio food code on either day of dietary recalls. Neurocognitive, depression, and anxiety variables were assessed using questionnaire data. Associations between pistachio consumer status and neurocognition were assessed by regression analysis. Less than 1% of adults were pistachio consumers and usual intake of pistachios was 24.6 g/ day among adult consumers. Males and younger adults had higher intakes of pistachios than their respective counterparts. Pistachio consumers age 60+ years had a 16% lower frequency of anxiety than non-consumers. Depression/anxiety also caused 60% less difficulties among adult pistachio consumers age 20-59 years compared to non-consumers. Adult consumers (age 19+ years) of pistachios had 48% lower risk (Odds Ratio 0.52, P=0.0465) of having minor depression (20 events) compared to nonconsumers. The results of this cross-sectional regression analysis show that pistachio consumption was associated with lower anxiety frequency, fewer difficulties caused by depression/anxiety and reduced risk of having minor depression. Future research is needed to better understand the relationship of pistachio intake with mental health.