Researchers from King’s College London reported that fiber supplements may support cognitive performance in adults over 60. The findings appeared in Nature Communications, a peer reviewed journal that shares results from broad investigations in science and health.
The study spanned 12 weeks and involved 36 pairs of twins showing early signs of cognitive decline. One twin in each pair received a fiber supplement in tablet form, while the other twin received a visually identical placebo. The goal was to determine whether dietary fiber could influence physical and mental health markers beyond common daily activities.
Dietary fiber refers to plant-based components that human enzymes cannot digest, yet which are processed by beneficial gut bacteria. This interaction in the digestive system has become a focal point for understanding how nutrition affects overall health and brain function.
During the trial, all participants engaged in regular weight-bearing exercise and consumed additional protein to support muscle function. The aim was to maintain a standard baseline for physical activity while isolating the potential cognitive effects of fiber intake.
Specific measurements showed no notable change in muscle strength over the 12 weeks. However, individuals receiving fiber supplements demonstrated better performance on cognitive tests. In particular, memory, reaction speed, and information processing showed improvements linked to the fiber regimen.
Researchers proposed that the cognitive benefits could stem from positive changes in the gut microbiome of the fiber group. The gut and brain are connected via a neural pathway, so shifts in gut bacteria can influence brain function and cognition.
Earlier discussions around fiber and health have highlighted broad benefits for digestive health, metabolic balance, and longevity. While this study highlights potential cognitive advantages, the authors emphasize that fiber is one part of a wider lifestyle approach that includes activity, nutrition, and consistent health monitoring. Additional work is needed to confirm these findings across different populations and explore long-term outcomes for brain health.
Overall, the results align with a growing body of evidence that gut health can play a role in cognitive aging. For seniors in both Canada and the United States, maintaining a fiber-rich diet along with regular exercise and balanced nutrition may contribute to overall well-being. As science advances, future research may clarify how specific fiber types influence memory and processing speed in aging adults. In the meantime, experts suggest focusing on diverse, fiber-rich foods as part of a healthy lifestyle, in conjunction with medical advice when addressing age-related cognitive concerns.