Nutrition Bolsters MDs Cognition

CALGARY, AlbertaTaking the time to consume regular, healthy meals and snacks can boost physicians cognitive performance, benefitting their health and that of their patients, according to a new study (BMC Health Serv Res. ePub 2010 Aug 17;10(1):241. DOI: 10.1186/1472-6963-10-241). Researchers at the University of Calgary noted previous studies have found under-nutrition and hypoglycemia are linked to impaired neurological functions such as fine motor skills and information processing. Further, most physicians operate in a mentally and physically demanding environment with long hours and other challenges to ensuring proper nutrition.

For the current study, the team recruited 20 staff physicians from a large urban teaching hospital. On two separate work days, in random order, the physicians completed tests of cognitive function, capillary blood glucose, hypoglycemic related symptoms, fluid and nutrient intake, level of physical activity, weight and urinary output. On the intervention day, physicians were provided with healthy nutrition choices, had enforced nutrition breaks, and maximized ease of accessing the foods and their cost. Nutrition was based on the recommendations of Canadas Food Guide, with total intake of 30.8 kcal/kg body weight.

Cognition scores as measured by a composite score of speed and accuracy were superior on the intervention day on both simple and complex reaction time tests. Group mean glucose was slightly lower and less variable during the nutrition intervention. There was also a trend of reporting fewer hypoglycemic-type symptoms. During the intervention day, the subjects also had higher caloric and nutrient intake and improved hydration.

The researchers concluded the study underscores the importance of adequate nutrition to improve cognition and mental performance of physicians. They noted the intervention was well-received by the participants, and considered implementing some type of nutritional intervention for staffers a feasible undertaking that could benefit the health care system and patients, as well as helping physicians health.