Skip to main content
. 2009 Aug 15;4(4):271–282. doi: 10.1007/s12263-009-0134-5

Table 2.

Modulation of learning and memory and depressive behaviour by diet

Diet Effect on learning and memory Effect on depressive behaviour Study models References
Caloric/dietary restriction Enhanced spatial learning in aged rats Rat [104]
Enhanced cognitive performance in females only Rat [74]
Increased learning and motor performance Mouse [40]
Increased learning consolidation Mouse [28]
Omega 3 fatty acids Improved (EPA) Human [42]
Delayed onset of depressive periods Human (bipolar) [106]
Decreased Human (bipolar) [89]
No benefit 6 g/day EPA Human (bipolar) [47]
Improvement with 1 g/day EPA Human (bipolar) [30]
Various effects with various concentrations of various fatty acids Human For review: [5]
Improved spatial memory Mouse Alzheimer model [38]
Improved acquisition and retention in a T-maze foot shock avoidance test Mouse Senescence-Accelerated [92]
Flavonoids Improved Rat [18]
Improved For review: [119]
Blueberry Increased spatial memory Rat [122]
Polyphenol/flavonoids/berry Positive impact Various animals For review: [123]
Improved Rat [78]
Curcumin Improved cognitive performance Human [83]
Retinoic acid excess Increased Mouse adult [86]
Vitamin A/retinoid deficiency Impaired spatial learning and memory Rat adult [13]
Impaired relational memory Mouse adult [25]
Zinc Improved Rodents For review: [108]
Improved Human For review: [108]
Improved Human [85]
High fat Decreased spatial learning Rat [80]
Decreased learning and memory and Increased risk for dementia Rat [124]
High sugar Impaired spatial learning Rat [107]
Low glucose (extracellular) Impaired memory Rat aged [34]
Soft diet Impairment of learning ability and memory Rat Alzheimer model [59]
Caffeine Improved object recognition Mouse [15]
Reduced risk Human [101]
Ethanol Improved associative learning with moderate chronic consumption Mouse male [94]
Deficits Human [91]

EPA eicosapentaenoic acid